Manifestations of a deviated nasal septum

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 21, 2025
00:00
00:00

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, which may present clinical symptoms. The extent of these symptoms largely depends on the degree of the deviation and the individual's personal sensitivity. If the deviation is mild and not severe, it might not show any obvious symptoms and is usually discovered during physical examinations or nasopharyngoscope evaluations. Additionally, it may be accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, and a decrease in the sense of smell. If these clinical symptoms occur, it is necessary to undergo nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT scans to assess the specific degree of nasal septum deviation. Some patients may require surgical treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Can a deviated nasal septum become cancerous?

A deviated nasal septum does not lead to cancer, as the main cause of a deviated nasal septum is either congenital malformation or trauma resulting in nasal fractures or deviations. The primary site of deviation is the cartilage of the nasal septum or the posterior bony part. This may lead to narrowing of the nasal passageway, potentially causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and nosebleeds. However, overall, this condition is benign and unlikely to become cancerous. In terms of treatment, minor deviations might not require any intervention, but prominent deviations causing clinical symptoms might necessitate surgical correction.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Can a deviated nasal septum cause rhinitis?

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone tissues of the nasal septum are skewed towards one side of the nasal cavity. This structural deviation can lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches. If these symptoms are not present, it might be that the septum is deviated but not severely so. However, if these symptoms do appear, then it is necessary to address the deviated septum. There is an inevitable connection between a deviated septum and rhinitis, meaning a deviated septum will certainly lead to rhinitis. Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, the presence of a deviated septum will definitely cause rhinitis. Thus, actively treating a deviated septum greatly aids in the recovery from rhinitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

What medicine is good for a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common ENT disorder, and typically it does not require medication for treatment. This is because the deviation of the nasal septum is primarily due to either bony or cartilaginous bends, which are difficult to effectively treat with medications. Medications cannot correct a deviated septum. If the nasal septum deviation is severe and accompanied by related clinical symptoms, surgery may be considered for correction. A common procedure is the endoscopic nasal septum deviation correction surgery, which is minimally invasive and generally has good outcomes. If the deviation is minor and does not present any clinical signs, observation may be sufficient without the need for specific treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Can a deviated nasal septum cause nosebleeds?

Deviated nasal septum refers to the fracture of the cartilage of the nasal septum, deviating toward one or both nasal cavities. Patients with a deviated nasal septum are prone to bleeding, and this bleeding tends to recur. This is because after the cartilage of the nasal septum deviates toward one side of the nasal cavity, continuous breathing causes the airflow to rub against the protruding nasal mucosal tissue of the deviated side. Additionally, after the deviation, the nasal mucosal tissue itself becomes thinner. Under these conditions, the thinner mucosal tissue at the deviated part is more likely to rupture and get damaged, making it prone to erosion and bleeding, and the blood vessels are also more likely to rupture, leading to bleeding. In summary, a deviated nasal septum can lead to nosebleeds.