About Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall inside the nasal cavity separating right from left nostril passages leans abnormally from one side to another. Some people are born with this condition, or it may occur with an injury to the nose. It is estimated that eighty per cent of all people have deviated septum to a degree which makes one nasal passage smaller than another. However, in most individuals the variation is so small that it produces no symptoms.

Symptoms

Recurrent sinus infections are one uncomfortable symptom of deviated septum. Others are: difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion from colds or other respiratory problems that is difficult to clear when the main illness is gone.

Postnasal drip and resulting nagging cough is customary in individuals with deviated septum. Many parents become aware of their child's condition when the child is breathing abnormally heavily during sleep and the parents report this to their doctor.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms repeatedly, or a clogged nostril that remains clogged for more than a few days, even with treatment, should seek medical attention. Any deviated septum which is causing stubborn and repeated symptoms will eventually require surgery to correct it.

Diagnosis

The doctor can do a simple physical examination to view a deviated septum, using a nasal speculum to broaden the nostrils. Usually an otolaryngologist will treat the condition.

Treatment

Many of the symptoms associated with a deviated septum can be managed with medications.

Antihistamines can assist in "drying up" the runny noses of colds, as well as staving off allergy symptoms. This is important in cases of deviated septum, since built-up mucus can create sinus infections and blockages. Decongestants can also break up the mucus to get rid of it. There are cortisone nasal sprays available by prescription that can help to keep inflammation down in nasal passages.

Septoplasty and/or rhinoplasty surgeries to correct the placement of the septum, and the shape of the nose if necessary, are the only real lasting solutions for problems presented by a deviated septum. In a septoplasty, the surgeon normally must remove part of the septum and replace it to the proper position. In rhinoplasty, the nose is reshaped through moving the cartilage and bone to provide better airflow for the patient. When a rhinoplasty is done for a patient with deviated septum, it is usually done in conjunction with the septoplasty.

To prevent accidents which can cause deviated septum it's important to remember to buckle up your seatbelt in the car, and wear a helmet during sports activities or when riding on a motorcycle.

In most cases, the prognosis for patients who have had surgery for deviated septum is a good one. While a septoplasty or rhinoplasty can't prevent allergies, these surgeries can cut down on medications and prevent many of the complications and misery that was caused by their deviated septum.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/deviated-septum/DS00977

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtWSIHW000/9339/9816.html