Septal Deviation (Deviated Nasal Septum)
Last Update : 24-11-2023
Septal Deviation (Deviated Nasal Septum)
What is septal deviation, and can getting your nose cleaned become a habit?
Septal deviation refers to the curvature of the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nose into two parts.
What kind of complaints does it lead to?
The most common complaint associated with septal deviation is nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Nasal congestion typically occurs on the side where the septum is deviated, but it can sometimes lead to a persistent feeling of congestion in both nostrils or vary between the right and left sides.
Individuals with septal deviation may experience difficulty breathing through the nose, both during physical activity and at rest. This can result in sleeping with the mouth open and waking up with a dry mouth in the morning. Septal deviation can also lead to snoring, chronic mouth breathing, pharyngitis, recurrent sinusitis attacks, nosebleeds, facial and head pain, and postnasal drip. Adequate airflow through the nose is essential for the lungs. The nose has functions such as warming, humidifying, and filtering the air we breathe. Septal deviation reduces the airflow through the nose, and taking in unprocessed air through the mouth can lead to problems in the upper respiratory tract and lungs.
What is the Nasal Turbinate (Nasal Concha)?
Nasal turbinates are structures found on the side walls of the nasal cavity. In some cases, if they enlarge excessively, it can lead to nasal congestion. People with septal deviation often experience turbinate enlargement on the opposite side of the deviation.
How is it treated?
If an individual's septal deviation is causing the complaints mentioned above, surgical intervention is required. In septoplasty procedures, the fundamental principle is to correct the deviation of the cartilage and bone within the nose while preserving the support in the front and on the nasal dorsum.
How is the septum surgery performed?
The procedure for correcting the septum is called septoplasty. Thanks to advancements in technology, this operation can now be done endoscopically from within the nose, using cameras, without any external incisions. It can be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference. Since the surgery is carried out inside the nose, there are no external changes to the nose's appearance, such as swelling, bruising, or scarring. Patients are typically discharged on the same day. They can resume all activities the next day and return to work within a few days. Following the surgery, silicone airway tampons with air channels are usually placed inside the nose and removed 2-3 days later. These tampons allow breathing through the nose even during the postoperative period.
At what age can this surgery be performed?
The surgery can be performed once the bone structure has matured. In males, this usually occurs around 17–18 years of age, and in females, around 15–16 years of age. However, in special cases, intervention can be done at younger ages.
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