How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 20, 2025
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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 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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink alcohol with a deviated nasal septum?

Deviated nasal septum should not be associated with excessive drinking. Deviated nasal septum occurs either from abnormal development during the embryonic stage or from later trauma to the nasal cavity or tumor compression, leading to the septum bending to one side. This condition can cause persistent nasal congestion, which progressively worsens over time. Moreover, when the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, it can lead to thinning of the nasal septum mucosa. Drinking alcohol can cause the nasal mucosa to become congested and swollen, which may lead to the rupture of local blood vessels and severe nasal bleeding. Since the blood vessels in the nasal septum are arteries, the bleeding can be substantial. Therefore, it is crucial for patients not to consume alcohol. If a patient experiences severe nasal congestion and significant nasal bleeding, they should seek medical treatment for correction of the deviated septum, which can be curative.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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The main reason that a deviated septum causes headaches

In clinical practice, a deviated nasal septum can be structural, which often leads to symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. There are primarily two reasons why a deviated nasal septum may cause headaches. First, the deviated septum directly irritates the middle turbinate, leading to anterior ethmoid nerve syndrome and severe headaches. Second, the deviated septum may lead to secondary conditions such as rhinitis or sinusitis, which also cause headaches. Therefore, in clinical practice, surgical intervention is needed to correct a deviated nasal septum causing headaches. Before surgery, a CT scan is usually conducted to rule out sinusitis or other diseases causing the headaches. However, it is important to inform patients preoperatively that even after the surgery, headaches caused by the deviated septum may not be completely relieved or eliminated. This is crucial information to communicate to patients before the procedure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal septum deviation be treated under general anesthesia?

Nasal septum deviation refers to the deviation of the cartilage and bone tissue of the nasal septum towards one or both nasal passages, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, blood-tinged nasal discharge or nosebleeds, and headaches. After the deviation of the nasal septum, nasal congestion can cause symptoms of snoring. Surgery for nasal septum deviation or other operations can be performed under general anesthesia. The deviated nasal septum does not affect the state of anesthesia. However, due to the presence of a deviated nasal septum, oral intubation should be chosen instead of nasal intubation during general anesthesia. If nasal intubation is desired, it should be performed on the side with a wider nasal passage. Thus, attention should be paid to the choice of intubation location during surgery under general anesthesia.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be cured?

A deviated nasal septum can be treated. Firstly, it is necessary to examine the degree of deviation and the clinical symptoms. If it is a simple deviation with mild severity and no related clinical symptoms, this condition generally does not require special treatment and regular follow-ups are sufficient. However, if the deviation is severe and accompanied by corresponding clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds, surgery may be considered to correct the deviation. Generally, after surgical correction, the deviated nasal septum can be cured.