Will a deviated septum get worse over time?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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A deviated nasal septum generally does not worsen over time, as it is often a congenital condition. From birth, the septum develops in a skewed manner, hence the likelihood of it becoming increasingly deviated is not very high, unless significant trauma occurs during growth or later in life, which could exacerbate the deviation. In the case of normal development, the deviation does not worsen. Moreover, with the physiological development of bodily functions, the nasal septum's deviation might actually improve. However, during this period, conditions such as septal effusion and spurs could potentially lead to more severe deviations.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is a deviated septum related to wearing glasses?

Deviated nasal septum has no relation to wearing glasses. Deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in the field of otolaryngology. It is directly related to developmental abnormalities of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage, or due to trauma to the nasal septum and pressure from nasal tumors. A deviated nasal septum can lead to persistent nasal congestion and headaches. Additionally, it may also trigger sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. Minor deviations in the nasal septum do not require any clinical treatment. However, if a patient experiences severe nasal congestion, headaches, and other related symptoms, it is necessary to visit a hospital for corrective surgery for the deviated nasal septum. A prior examination using an endoscope and sinus CT scan is needed to assess the extent of the deviation. After the surgery, it is important to keep the nasal cavity dry, avoid catching colds, and exercise regularly.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?

Nasal septal deviation and hypertrophy of the turbinates refer to the cartilaginous and bony parts of the nasal septum leaning towards one side, or both sides, of the nasal cavity, which interferes with the normal drainage function of the nasal passage. The deviation of the nasal septum to one side can cause compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinate on the same side, primarily the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. Clinically, this is mainly manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Therefore, for severe nasal septal deviation, it is often necessary to perform a sinus CT scan to determine the degree of deviation, followed by endoscopic surgery to correct the deviation.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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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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Does a deviated septum require hospitalization?

The clinical treatment of a deviated nasal septum is primarily through surgical intervention, which involves the removal of the deviated cartilage and bone tissue to correct the structural deviation of the nasal septum. Therefore, hospitalization is required for the surgery, generally for about a week. According to usual procedures, the surgery is performed on the third day, followed by three to four days of intravenous fluid infusion to control and prevent infection. After discharge from the hospital post-surgery, the treatment does not end. Regular follow-up visits to the hospital are necessary to monitor the recovery from nasal mucosal inflammation and to observe the correction of the nasal septum deviation.

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How long after septoplasty under general anesthesia can one get out of bed?

After general anesthesia surgery for a deviated nasal septum, patients can freely move in bed after 6 hours, but should wait at least 24 hours before getting out of bed and moving around to avoid the effects of the anesthesia. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by congenital abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum. This condition may lead to persistent, progressive nasal congestion on both sides, along with pain in the facial area, headaches, and a deviated nasal septum. It can also trigger nasal sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. A detailed examination at the hospital with an electronic nasal endoscope and sinus CT scan can provide a diagnosis. In terms of treatment, if a mild nasal septum deviation presents no clinical symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, if the patient suffers from nasal congestion, headaches, or other related symptoms, local surgical correction may be required. Patients typically recover and are discharged about a week after the surgery.