How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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In this situation, we need to consider various factors. The most common primary cause is a congenital uneven development of the nasal septum, which leads to what we call congenital deviation of the nasal septum. Another cause is abnormal development or injury acquired later in life. For example, one common issue is children who snore loudly for extended periods during sleep and breathe through their mouths; they can develop enlarged adenoids, which might cause the upper jaw to protrude. This, in turn, can lead to abnormal development and deviation of the nasal septum. Additionally, injuries often occur when children are playing or accidentally during physical activities, leading to a direct impact on the nasal septum. Without immediate and proper attention, this can cause a deviation in the septum as development continues.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to treat a deviated nasal septum?

Deviated nasal septum refers to the deviation of nasal septum cartilage and bone tissues towards one or both nasal cavities, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches. Generally speaking, when these symptoms of nasal septum deviation occur, surgical treatment is typically adopted. This involves correcting and removing the deviated cartilage and bone tissues under endoscopic guidance to restore normal airflow in the nasal passages. If a patient only has structural or radiographic evidence of a deviated nasal septum but lacks clinical symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Alternatively, temporary observation and medical management to control inflammation of the nasal mucosa can be considered.

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Is surgery necessary for a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation is a structural abnormality where the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum leans towards one or both sides of the nasal cavities. Clinically, a perfectly vertical nasal septum does not exist; there is always some degree of deviation, but the extent can vary significantly. If nasal septum deviation is accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or even headaches, a sinus CT scan should be conducted to assess the degree of deviation. If the deviation is severe, then surgery is definitely necessary. For cases with no clinical symptoms and only minor deviation, surgery is not required.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, primarily caused by congenital factors related to individual development. It can also be caused by trauma or fractures of the nasal septum. In terms of treatment, it's first important to assess the degree of deviation. If the deviation is minor and presents no significant clinical symptoms, often no special treatment is needed, and regular observation and check-ups suffice. However, if the deviation is notable and accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and dizziness, surgery may be required. Currently, the main surgical approach is endoscopic septoplasty, a common minimally invasive procedure that generally provides definitive results. Post-surgery, regular check-ups are necessary to monitor recovery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation refers to the condition where the cartilaginous and bony tissue of the nasal septum leans to one side, affecting one or both nasal cavities. Clinically, it primarily presents as nasal congestion. This congestion is unilateral and persistent, or it can be persistent on both sides. Additionally, nosebleeds occur because the mucous membrane on the deviated side is very thin, making it susceptible to bleeding due to friction from the airflow during breathing. Furthermore, the deviated nasal septum can irritate the turbinates, leading to nerve reflex pain and resulting in headaches. Thus, the main symptoms of nasal septum deviation include the ones listed above.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be treated without surgery?

A deviated nasal septum does not necessarily require surgery. The treatment for a deviated nasal septum mainly depends on the severity of the deviation and clinical symptoms. If it's just a minor deviation without obvious clinical manifestations, most patients don't need specific treatment. Generally, they can just be rechecked in the near future to observe any changes. However, if the deviation is significant and accompanied by clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, runny nose, headaches, or dizziness, surgery might need to be considered. Currently, the surgery can be conducted under endoscopy as a nasal septum deviation correction surgery or as a nasal septoplasty. Overall, the surgery is not very traumatic, and generally, the results are quite definitive. Typically, the recovery period is about two weeks.