Is nasal irrigation effective for a deviated nasal septum?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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Nasal septum deviation washing is ineffective because the deviation is bony. Generally, nasal septum deviation occurs due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage, or it is caused by trauma to the nasal septum or pressure from nasal cavity tumors later in life, resulting in deviation to one or both sides. After the deviation of the nasal septum, it primarily causes the patient to experience bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens. It is also accompanied by facial swelling, headaches, and the deviation itself can potentially trigger the onset of nasal polyps and sinusitis. First, it is necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed inspection using an electronic nasal endoscope and sinus CT to make a diagnosis. If patients with nasal septum deviation do not exhibit any clinical symptoms, generally no treatment is needed. However, if the patient's nasal congestion symptoms persist and worsen, accompanied by headaches, then corrective surgery for the nasal septum deviation is required to completely cure the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to correct a deviated nasal septum?

Currently, the correction of a deviated nasal septum is mainly done through surgery. However, for some patients, if the deviation is mild and without symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Surgery for deviated nasal septum is considered only if the deviation is severe and accompanied by significant clinical symptoms. Presently, minimally invasive surgery under endoscopy, which may involve partial removal of cartilage or septal cartilage reshaping, is a common procedure in otolaryngology. The results are generally reliable and, although there are risks, they are not considered excessively high. Typically, tertiary hospitals with an otolaryngology department can perform this surgery.

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

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 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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Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone structure of the nasal septum are off to one side or both sides of the nasal cavities, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Clinically, the formation of a deviated septum is commonly caused by trauma. Other factors include congenital and acquired reasons. Congenitally, it may be due to compression during childbirth, and acquired reasons may include conditions like rhinitis or enlarged adenoids, leading to nasal dysfunction. This affects the development of the nasal septum, particularly the uneven growth of the septal cartilage and bones, which results in the deviation of the septum, primarily due to these factors.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.