What is a curvature of the nasal septum and how is it treated

What is the curvature of the nasal septum

Curvature of the nasal septum is a violation of the position of the cartilage or bone that divides the nasal cavity into two equal parts. Approximately 80%Deviated Septum / American Academy of Otolaryngology in humans, the nasal septum is displaced to a greater or lesser extent.

Why the nasal septum can bend

This happens for a variety of reasons.Deviated septum / Mayo Clinic:

• Due to the peculiarities of development. Sometimes the septum is displaced during the period of intrauterine formation of the fetus.
• Due to an injury to the nose. It can occur both during childbirth and in adulthood. For example, during sports games or car accidents.

Due to changes in the structures of the nose with aging, the septum can move to the side even more.

Sometimes the curvature of the nasal septum occursDeviated Septum / American Academy of Otolaryngology for unknown reasons in young people who have never injured their nose.

What are the problems caused by the curvature of the nasal septum

Many do not even realize that they have this pathology, because it has no symptoms. But sometimes there are such signsDeviated septum / Mayo Clinic:

• Nasal congestion. May occur in one or both nostrils. This symptom is especially noticeable when a person has an allergy or a cold.
• Nose bleed. It arisesif the septal mucosa becomes too dry.
• Facial pain. It is not clear why it appears. It is believed that this is a sign of severe curvature of the septum, when the structures of the nose press against each other.
• Noisy breathing during sleep. It is noticeable in both children and adults. Some can breatheDeviated Septum / American Academy of Otolaryngology mouth.
• Nasal cycles. This is a condition when the nose periodically clogs it on the left, then on the right.
• Sleep on a certain side. If the nasal passage is narrowed, it helps to make breathing easier during sleep.

The curvature of the nasal septum is not life-threatening, but it does cause discomfort. In some cases, a person begins to constantly breathe through the mouth, and someone suffers from insomnia from a stuffy nose.

What to do if you suspect a curvature of the nasal septum

It is worth referring to the lore. He will examine and diagnose. If the curvature of the nasal septum is problematic, but not critical, the doctor may prescribe medications. These groups of drugs are usedDeviated septum / Mayo Clinic:

• Decongestants. They can be in the form of drops or pills to help relieve nasal congestion. But they are used with caution, since the former cause addictivewhile the latter can raise blood pressure and make a person nervous.
• Antihistamines. They also eliminate swelling of the nasal cavity, but are used for allergies. Although sometimes these medications are prescribed for colds to help relieve nasal congestion.
• Hormonal sprays. They contain corticosteroids, which reduce swelling of the nasal passage. But such a medicine does not work immediately - it takes 1-3 weeks for the effect to appear.

Note that medications may help relieve symptoms, but they will not correct the septum.

When surgery is needed for a deviated nasal septum

If medication is not working well and the curvature of the septum is severe enough, your doctor may suggestDeviated Septum / American Academy of Otolaryngology operation. It's called septoplasty.Septoplasty / Mayo Clinic. The procedure is carried out through the nostrils under local or general anesthesia - it all depends on the complexity. To correct the septum, the physician removes part of the cartilage or gives it the desired position. At the end of the operation, the specialist may place supporting silicone splints to help maintain the shape of the nasal passages.

Some people hesitateDeviated septum / Mayo Clinic for rhinoplasty - a change in the shape of the nose, during which the curvature of the septum is also eliminated.

How long does it take to recover from surgery

After septo- and rhinoplasty, they are released from the hospital 1. Rhinoplasty / Mayo Clinic
2. Septoplasty / Mayo Clinic home the same day. Regardless of the type of operation, doctors giveSeptoplasty / Mayo Clinic these are the recommendations for the next few weeks:

1. Sleep with your head up.
2. Do not blow your nose.
3. Wear clothes with a closure in the front so as not to pull them over your head or injure your nose.
4. Do not exercise, especially aerobics or jogging. Otherwise, nosebleeds may start.

Usually, the stitches do not need to be removed, they dissolve on their own. But the restoration of the tissues of the nose can take 3-6Septoplasty / Mayo Clinic months. Although for some people this process lasts up to a year.

Reoperation may be necessary

Most people noticeSeptoplasty / Mayo Clinicthat after septoplasty it became easier for them to breathe, no nasal congestion. But everything is very individual. Doctors cannot promise that after a while the cartilage will not change its position again and the nasal passages will not narrow.

In some patients, symptoms persist even after septoplasty, so the person decides to repeat the procedure. Although this does not guarantee success.

After rhinoplasty, the shape of the nose and its passages changes. But there is always the possibilityRhinoplasty / Mayo Clinicthat shortness of breath will still not disappear or come back later. Therefore, the patient can repeat the operation or only have septoplasty.