The thin wall between the nostrils is made of cartilage and bone and is called the septum. Typically, it sits at the center and divides the nostrils evenly. However, this is not the case in some people. Almost 80% of people have a deviated nasal septum due to genetics, injury, or some kinde of trauma. This is why many people have an uneven septum, which means one nostril being larger than the other. When this cartilage or bone is off-center (deviated to one side) or crooked, it is referred to as a deviated septum. Many people who live with a deviated septum do not notice the symptoms and therefore do not receive treatment.<\/p>\n
However, the nose is an important receptor for people’s health. It filters the air, cleans dust, germs and irritants. The nose also contains nerve cells that provide body with the sense of smell. So the rest of the body greatly suffers when there is a problem with the nose. For example, a stuffy nose can make it difficult to breathe, sleep or relax.<\/p>\n
The most common symptoms of a deviated septum are difficulty in breathing and ongoing sinusitis, infection or inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes.<\/p>\n
Symptoms are often mistaken for those of a respiratory infection, common cold or allergy. Other symptoms and signs associated with a deviated septum include nasal blockage, nasal congestion often more intense on one side, sinus infections, nosebleeds, frequent crusting or dry nose often in the larger nostril due to increased airflow drying out mucous membranes, noisy breathing while sleeping, facial pain, postnasal drip, headaches, snoring, whistling noise while inhaling or exhaling, a tendency to sleep on one side which is often the side opposite of the blocked nasal passage, and sleep apnea in severe cases. Surgery is the only way to fix a deviated septum. Septoplasty is the surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. Septoplasty straightens the septum allowing for better airflow through your nose.<\/p>\n
The length of surgery and the anesthetics to be used depends on the level of a deviated septum. The operation can take 60-90 minutes and is performed using general anesthesia.<\/p>\n
The surgeon makes an incision inside the patient\u2019s nose andl reposition the septum to the center of the nose. He\/she may need to cut or remove parts of the septum during this process. Septoplasty surgery can also be combined with rhinoplasty (nose job) to reshape, resize or recontour the nose.<\/p>\n
The splint on the nose after the surgery will remain for about one to two weeks, while the packing is removed after a day or two. During the recovery period, the patient may experience minor pain as well as difficulty in breathing for about 2-4 weeks before the patient’s nose goes back to normal and the patient feels healthy.\u00a0 Though it can take up to 12 months before seeing the final results of the septoplasty in some cases. Septoplasty not only improves the functionality of the nose, but also provides a far better aesthetically pleasing appearance for the patient. The time of recovery may vary depending on the level of deviation. The patient can start eating and drinking 3 hours after the operation, but he\/she may be required to follow a soft and liquid diet for a certain time. An average time of recovery should be 1-4 weeks. Patients often return to their normal lives and dietary routines after the 2nd<\/sup> day.<\/p>\n Septoplasty helps a lot of people in breathing and improving their quality of life. If you too are suffering from a deviated nasal septum and looking for a permanent treatment, feel free to contact us for more information about septoplasty.If you consider having rhinoplasty surgery,\u00a0contact us<\/a>\u00a0right away to get a free consultancy service from\u00a0Prof. Dr. Sel\u00e7uk \u0130nanl\u0131<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To answer the question, <\/span>“What is a Deviated Septum?”<\/b>, we must first look at the internal architecture of the human nose. The <\/span>nasal septum<\/b> is a thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nose into two separate chambers, known as the left and right <\/span>nostrils<\/b>. In an ideal scenario, this wall is perfectly centered, allowing for equal airflow through both sides. However, in a vast majority of the population\u2014approximately 80%\u2014the septum is not perfectly straight.<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>deviated septum<\/b> occurs when this wall is significantly displaced to one side. This displacement makes one nasal passage smaller than the other. When the deviation is severe, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow, leading to difficulty breathing, chronic congestion, and a host of secondary health issues. Understanding the nuances of this condition is critical for anyone experiencing persistent respiratory discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n The septum is not a single piece of tissue; it is composed of three primary parts:<\/span><\/p>\n A deviation can occur in the cartilage, the bone, or where the two meet. Prof. Dr. Sel\u00e7uk \u0130nanl\u0131, an expert in <\/span>rhinoplasty<\/span><\/a> and nasal functional surgery, emphasizes that treating a deviation requires a deep understanding of these specific anatomical junctions.<\/span><\/p>\n Many individuals live with a minor deviation without ever knowing it. However, when the curvature is pronounced, the symptoms become impossible to ignore. Identifying these signs early can prevent long-term complications such as chronic sinusitis or sleep disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n The most frequent complaint is a feeling of ‘stuffiness’ that does not go away with allergy medication or cold treatments. Because one nasal passage is narrower, the airflow becomes turbulent. This often leads to a sensation of <\/span>nasal congestion<\/span><\/a> that may shift from side to side but remains persistent on the deviated side.<\/span><\/p>\n When the septum is curved, the surface of the nasal lining becomes more exposed to the drying effects of airflow. This causes the mucous membranes to become brittle and cracked, leading to frequent <\/span>nosebleeds<\/b>. This is particularly common in dry climates or during winter months when indoor heating further dehydrates the nasal passages.<\/span><\/p>\n A severely deviated septum can actually make physical contact with the outer walls of the nasal cavity. These ‘contact points’ can trigger referred pain, leading to localized facial pain or chronic headaches. Many patients mistake this for tension headaches or migraines, when the root cause is actually structural pressure within the nose.<\/span><\/p>\n Restricted airflow through the nose often forces a person to breathe through their mouth during sleep. This increases the vibration of soft tissues in the throat, resulting in loud <\/span>snoring<\/b>. In severe cases, a deviated septum can contribute to <\/span>obstructive sleep apnea<\/b>, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night, leading to daytime fatigue and cardiovascular strain.<\/span><\/p>\n There are two primary ways an individual develops a deviated septum: it is either present at birth or acquired through physical trauma.<\/span><\/p>\n In some cases, a deviated septum occurs during fetal development and is apparent at birth. Sometimes, the pressure of the birth canal during delivery can cause a slight shift in the nasal cartilage of a newborn. As the child grows, this slight irregularity can become more pronounced, eventually leading to breathing issues in adulthood.<\/span><\/p>\n Physical injury is the most common cause of a deviated septum in adults and teenagers. This can result from:<\/span><\/p>\n * <\/span>Sports injuries:<\/b> High-impact sports like boxing, football, or wrestling.<\/span><\/p>\n * <\/span>Accidents:<\/b> Car accidents or falls.<\/span><\/p>\n * <\/span>Physical altercations:<\/b> Direct blows to the face.<\/span><\/p>\n Even a seemingly minor ‘bump’ to the nose can cause the cartilage to fracture or shift. Over time, as the nose heals, the cartilage may grow in a crooked fashion, resulting in a permanent deviation.<\/span><\/p>\n If you suspect you have a deviation, a consultation with an <\/span>Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT Specialist)<\/b> is necessary. Prof. Dr. Sel\u00e7uk \u0130nanl\u0131 utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to determine the extent of the curvature.<\/span><\/p>\n The doctor will first use a bright light and a <\/span>nasal speculum<\/b> to gently open the nostrils and inspect the front portion of the septum. This allows for the visualization of obvious bends or ‘spurs’ (bony growths) that might be obstructing the airway.<\/span><\/p>\n For a more detailed view, a <\/span>nasal endoscopy<\/b> may be performed. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nasal passages. This allows the surgeon to see the posterior (back) part of the septum and check for other issues like <\/span>nasal polyps<\/b> or enlarged <\/span>turbinates<\/b> that may be exacerbating the blockage.<\/span><\/p>\n In complex cases, or when planning for surgery, a <\/span>CT scan<\/b> (Computed Tomography) of the paranasal sinuses may be ordered. This provides a 3D view of the bone and cartilage structure, ensuring that the surgeon has a complete map of the deviation before any intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n While medications can manage the symptoms, they cannot fix the physical structure of the nose. To truly resolve the problem, surgical intervention is usually required.<\/span><\/p>\n For patients with mild deviations, doctors may suggest:<\/span><\/p>\n * <\/span>Decongestants:<\/b> To reduce swelling of the nasal tissues.<\/span><\/p>\n * <\/span>Antihistamines:<\/b> If allergies are contributing to the congestion.<\/span><\/p>\n * <\/span>Nasal Steroid Sprays:<\/b> To reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.<\/span><\/p>\n While these provide temporary relief, they do not answer the fundamental question of how to fix a deviated septum permanently.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a Deviated Septum? A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments<\/b><\/h1>\n
Understanding the Nasal Anatomy: What is a Deviated Septum?<\/b><\/h2>\n
The Structural Components of the Septum<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Common Symptoms of a Deviated Septum<\/b><\/h2>\n
Difficulty Breathing and Nasal Obstruction<\/b><\/h3>\n
Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)<\/b><\/h3>\n
Facial Pain and Headaches<\/b><\/h3>\n
Snoring and Sleep Apnea<\/b><\/h3>\n
Causes: Why Does the Septum Deviate?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Congenital Deviation<\/b><\/h3>\n
Trauma and Injury<\/b><\/h3>\n
Diagnosing the Condition<\/b><\/h2>\n
Physical Examination and Nasal Speculum<\/b><\/h3>\n
Nasal Endoscopy<\/b><\/h3>\n
Imaging Studies<\/b><\/h3>\n
Treatment Options: From Management to Correction<\/b><\/h2>\n
Non-Surgical Symptom Management<\/b><\/h3>\n
Septoplasty: The Gold Standard Surgery<\/b><\/h3>\n