Septal Deviation (Nasal Cartilage-Bone Deviation)
Last Update : 24-11-2023
Septal Deviation (Nasal Cartilage-Bone Deviation)
Septal deviation refers to the curvature of the cartilage and bone structure inside the nose, which divides the nose into two parts.
What Symptoms Does It Cause?
The most common complaint resulting from septal deviation is nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. Nasal congestion is usually experienced on the side where the septum is deviated, but it can also lead to constant or variable nasal congestion on both sides, affecting a person's ability to breathe comfortably through the nose. Exertion or rest may lead to a feeling of not being able to breathe enough through the nose, and open-mouthed breathing at night may cause morning mouth dryness. Septal deviation can cause snoring, leading to constant mouth breathing, which can lead to pharyngitis, recurrent sinusitis attacks, and nosebleeds. It can also result in facial and head pain, as well as postnasal drip. Air for the lungs must pass through the nose. The nose has functions such as warming, humidifying, and cleansing the inhaled air. Septal deviation reduces the airflow through the nose. Breathing unprocessed air taken in through the mouth can lead to upper respiratory tract and lung problems.
What Is the Nasal Turbinate?
Nasal turbinates are structures located on the side walls of the nasal cavity, responsible for humidifying and heating inhaled air. In some cases, nasal turbinate enlargement can lead to nasal congestion. Individuals with deviated septum are often prone to concha hypertrophy on the opposite side of the deviation.
How Is It Treated?
If there is a deviation that causes the complaints mentioned above, it needs to be treated surgically. The fundamental principle in septoplasty surgery is to correct the cartilage-bone deviation inside the nose while preserving the support at the front of the nose and the nose bridge.
How Is Septal Surgery Performed?
The procedure for correcting the septum is called septoplasty. With advances in technology, this operation can be performed endoscopically through the inside of the nose with cameras, without any external incision. It can be done under general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference. Since the surgery is conducted from inside the nose, there are no changes in the external appearance of the nose, such as deformities, bruising, swelling, or visible surgical scars. Patients are typically discharged on the same day. They can resume normal activities the next day and return to work within a few days. Typically, silicone airway channel tampons are placed inside the nose during the operation and are removed 2-3 days later. These tampons are air-channelled, allowing patients to breathe through their noses even after surgery.
At What Age Can This Surgery Be Performed?
Surgery can be performed once the bone structure matures, usually around 17–18 years old for males and 15–16 years old for females. However, in some special cases, intervention can be carried out at an earlier age.
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