Can a deviated septum be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 09, 2024
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A CT scan can detect a deviated nasal septum, which is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from trauma or pressure from nasal tumors. When the nasal septum is deviated, it can cause persistent nasal congestion on both sides, as well as facial swelling, headaches, and may also lead to sinusitis or nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination using an electronic nasal endoscope and a sinus CT scan at the hospital. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe and accompanied by nasal congestion and headaches, surgical correction of the deviated septum may be necessary to completely resolve the symptoms.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Deviated nasal septum has symptoms such as:

Symptoms caused by a deviated nasal septum vary widely, with some people experiencing predominantly one symptom, while others may have several symptoms simultaneously. The most common symptom is nasal congestion, which can be unilateral or bilateral, depending on the type and degree of the septal deviation. If the deviation affects both sides of the nasal cavity, bilateral congestion occurs; if it affects only one side, unilateral congestion occurs. Another symptom is recurrent nosebleeds, which may be related to a protrusion formed by the deviation, causing the mucous membrane at that location to be thin and prone to erosion and bleeding. Additionally, headaches can occur due to the nasal septum deviation irritating the nasal nerve. Other symptoms include those of secondary conditions such as a runny nose and mouth breathing.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation refers to the condition where the cartilaginous and bony tissue of the nasal septum leans to one side, affecting one or both nasal cavities. Clinically, it primarily presents as nasal congestion. This congestion is unilateral and persistent, or it can be persistent on both sides. Additionally, nosebleeds occur because the mucous membrane on the deviated side is very thin, making it susceptible to bleeding due to friction from the airflow during breathing. Furthermore, the deviated nasal septum can irritate the turbinates, leading to nerve reflex pain and resulting in headaches. Thus, the main symptoms of nasal septum deviation include the ones listed above.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do people with a deviated nasal septum faint?

A simple deviation of the nasal septum generally does not cause people to faint. Common clinical symptoms of a deviated nasal septum include repeated nasal congestion, runny nose, and nosebleeds. Some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, and snoring during sleep, but generally, consciousness remains clear without episodes of fainting. If fainting occurs, it is necessary to investigate other potential issues, such as fluctuations in blood pressure, low blood sugar, or problems related to blood vessels or nerves in the head. It is generally advised to first consult with a neurology department to investigate the specific causes of the fainting. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, considering surgery might be an option.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated septum be detected by a CT scan?

A CT scan can detect a deviated nasal septum, which is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from trauma or pressure from nasal tumors. When the nasal septum is deviated, it can cause persistent nasal congestion on both sides, as well as facial swelling, headaches, and may also lead to sinusitis or nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination using an electronic nasal endoscope and a sinus CT scan at the hospital. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe and accompanied by nasal congestion and headaches, surgical correction of the deviated septum may be necessary to completely resolve the symptoms.