What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 03, 2025
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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be corrected?

Deviations in the nasal septum can be corrected through endoscopic septoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope. The aim of the surgery is to remove or correct the deviated part of the nasal septum's cartilage or bone, achieving proper alignment. Some cases of nasal septum deviation may also involve the formation of spurs, so there is a possibility of damaging the mucosa of the nasal septum during the surgery. This could result in complications such as a septal perforation or a tear in the mucosa on one side of the nose. In such cases, repositioning the mucosa or repairing the perforation generally yields good results in correcting the deviation and restoring normal nasal function.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is the deviated nasal septum bone removed directly?

A deviated nasal septum refers to the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum being skewed towards one or both sides of the nasal cavities, leading to a series of symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum is usually carried out under nasal endoscopy. The surgery involves the removal of the deviated cartilage and bone tissue while preserving the mucosa. Since the mucosa is straight, this corrects the deviated nasal septum, thereby clearing the nasal passages. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches can be effectively alleviated through surgery, so for severe cases of deviated nasal septum, surgical removal is often adopted.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be treated without surgery?

Whether surgery is required for a deviated septum primarily depends on the clinical symptoms of the patient. Deviated septum is a common condition in otolaryngology, with over 90% of people having some form of septal deviation. It is mainly caused by abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or by later traumatic injuries, fractures, or pressure from nasal tumors causing the septum to deviate to one or both sides. After the septum deviates, it can lead to persistent nasal congestion and is also associated with pain in the eyes and face, and headaches. A deviated septum can also lead to complications such as sinusitis and nasal polyps. A detailed examination at a hospital, typically using an endoscope, can confirm the diagnosis. If a patient with a deviated septum experiences no symptoms, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the patient suffers from persistent nasal congestion accompanied by headaches, then localized corrective surgery may be required.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
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Can a deviated nasal septum be left untreated without surgery?

Whether or not surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum ultimately depends on the individual's specific symptoms and the extent of the deviation. This condition, which is a very common congenital developmental abnormality, can also be caused by postnatal trauma. Deviations are very common in the human body, but not everyone requires surgery. The diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum mainly considers whether the extent of the deviation affects function or appearance, that is, whether it causes pathological changes. If the nasal septum deviation does not cause functional changes or affect appearance, then surgery is not necessary. If it causes nasal congestion or leads to complications such as rhinitis or sinusitis, or affects appearance, then surgical treatment should be considered. Therefore, whether surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum should be based on the severity and the presence of related clinical symptoms.