Can you wear a ventilator with a deviated nasal septum?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 31, 2024
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People with a deviated nasal septum should generally avoid using breathing machines, as the deviation is a bony misalignment that can cause persistent nasal congestion. If a breathing machine is used, the airflow from the machine can irritate the nasal septum membrane, leading to erosion, and in severe cases, cause local rupture and bleeding. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequent condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage, or by subsequent trauma or tumoral pressure, causing the septum to deviate to one or both sides. This deviation can lead to continuous bilateral nasal congestion, along with a sensation of a foreign body in the nasal passages, swelling, headaches, and other related symptoms. It is advised to consult a hospital for an examination, where a diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscope. For treatment, the deviated nasal septum usually requires surgical correction, which can effectively cure the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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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 Li Mao Cai
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Does a deviated nasal septum need to be treated?

Deviated nasal septum is a common clinical occurrence in otolaryngology, and many people are told they have a deviated septum during a physical examination, or they feel uncomfortable with their nose and then find out they have a deviated septum when checking. Whether to treat these conditions depends on the specific circumstances. If there is no discomfort in the nose, breathing is normal, the sense of smell is unaffected, and there are no other clinical symptoms, surgery is unnecessary for a deviated septum discovered during a physical examination. However, if there are uncomfortable symptoms caused by the nasal cavity or deviated septum, and after examination, the doctor confirms that these are due to the deviated septum, then active surgical treatment is necessary. Only by correcting the deviated part can a satisfactory treatment outcome be achieved.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
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Will a deviated septum get worse over time?

A deviated nasal septum generally does not worsen over time, as it is often a congenital condition. From birth, the septum develops in a skewed manner, hence the likelihood of it becoming increasingly deviated is not very high, unless significant trauma occurs during growth or later in life, which could exacerbate the deviation. In the case of normal development, the deviation does not worsen. Moreover, with the physiological development of bodily functions, the nasal septum's deviation might actually improve. However, during this period, conditions such as septal effusion and spurs could potentially lead to more severe deviations.

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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.

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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.