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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be inherited?

Nasal septal deviation is not hereditary. The main causes of nasal septal deviation are due to different growth rates of the nasal septal cartilage in patients during infancy and adolescence, which leads to tension-induced deviation, or due to local trauma caused by impact, resulting in deviation of the patient's nasal septum. For the symptoms mentioned above, they mainly cause nasal congestion, headaches, nosebleeds, and other related conditions. The primary treatment method for patients with nasal septal deviation involves the submucosal removal of cartilage under functional endoscopy, in order to correct the deviated parts of the patient's nasal septum. This is done with the goal of restoring normal airflow in the nasal passages and alleviating contact headaches.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative Care for Deviated Septum Surgery

Postoperative care after septoplasty mainly involves the following points: Since nasal packing is generally required after septal surgery, the physical condition of the person is quite painful during this period. Some people may experience headaches, continuous nasal discharge or even bleeding, nasal congestion, and some might even feel ear stuffiness and dry throat, etc. Therefore, it is important to rest after the surgery. Also, it is important not to be too anxious or impatient, cooperate with the doctor for appropriate treatment, and not to worry too much about recurrent symptoms of nasal bleeding, as these are normal occurrences. Once the nasal packing is removed, these symptoms will gradually improve. After the nasal packing is removed, care should be taken not to blow the nose forcefully, especially to avoid sneezing vigorously, as this may cause complications like nasal septal hematoma. After stitches are removed, it is crucial to avoid pressing on the nasal bridge forcefully, as protecting the nose in this way is key to ensuring proper nasal shape development.

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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 cured. Firstly, a deviated nasal septum generally arises congenitally or from trauma, leading to the deviation. Most patients have cartilage deviation, and a small portion have bony deviation. In terms of treatment, firstly it is necessary to evaluate the degree of deviation and the clinical symptoms. If it is just a minor deviation without significant clinical manifestations, treatment may not be necessary, and regular check-ups will suffice. However, if the clinical symptoms are noticeable and the degree of deviation is severe, then surgical correction should be considered. Currently, considering endoscopic septoplasty can achieve a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can acupuncture be used for a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common ENT disorder. It is not recommended to treat it with acupuncture, as it is difficult to correct the deviated septum through acupuncture. If the deviation of the nasal septum is mild and there are no related clinical symptoms, there is no need for treatment. If the nasal septum deviation is severe and accompanied by related clinical manifestations such as nasal congestion, headache, and nasal bleeding, it may be necessary to consider performing a nasal endoscopy for septum deviation correction surgery. Generally speaking, the surgical outcome is quite good, but it still requires regular postoperative follow-up to observe the recovery.

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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.