The nasal septum is the vertical wall that divides the nose into two nasal cavities. It is made up of cartilage (septal cartilage) in the front, and bone in the back. The nasal cavities and nasal septum are lined with a thin membrane of tissue called mucosa (mucous lining tissue).
A deviated septum will block one side of the nose or both. It may also block the drainage system of the sinuses or have Screen Shot 2015-03-06 at 12.36.25 PMa “bone spur” that is impacted into the nasal tissue causing headaches.
Most septal deformities result in no symptoms, and you may not even know you have a deviated septum. Some septal deformities, however, may cause the following signs and symptoms:
Signs & Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
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Septorhinoplasty: Septorhinoplasty is both a cosmetic procedure to improve the external appearance of the nose as well as improving breathing capabilities for patients who have nasal obstruction.
Possible Causes of a Deviated Septum
The normal aging process may affect nasal structures, worsening a deviated septum over time. Also, changes in the amount of swelling of nasal tissues, because of developing rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, can accentuate the narrowing of a nasal passage from a deviated septum, resulting in nasal obstruction.
Managing Symptoms
Initial treatment of a deviated septum may be directed at managing the symptoms of the tissues lining the nose, which may then contribute to symptoms of nasal obstruction and drainage. Your doctor may prescribe:
Surgery for a Deviated Septum
If you still experience symptoms despite medical therapy, you may consider surgery to correct your deviated septum (septoplasty).
Septoplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia. It takes about one hour and is performed as an outpatient procedure. It may be performed with other nasal or sinus procedures. A small incision is made inside the nose. The mucosal lining of the septum is detached from the cartilage and bones of the septum. The deviated portions of the septum are removed or straightened. Bone spurs if present are removed.
Screen Shot 2015-03-06 at 12.36.41 PMThe nasal lining mucous membrane is sutured back together with dissolving suture. Nasal Splints are rarely used. With the septum sutured into place, nasal packing is usually not necessary. The septal sutures dissolve over 3 weeks time. Pain is mild to moderate especially at the front of the nose. Bleeding may occur during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Oozing is common the first 48 hours after surgery. If an infection occurs or if the healing is poor, a hole or perforation can occur. Nose blowing and strenuous exercise should be avoided for one week after surgery and irrigation with a sinus rinse kit is often recommended postoperatively.