What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is a thin wall made of bone and cartilage between the two nostrils, separating the left and right nasal airways. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is displaced to one side, leading to one nasal passage being smaller. Though the nasal septum should ideally be centered, it is typically slightly off-center for 80% of people. This usually is not glaringly obvious and does not cause issues. When the nasal septum is noticeably more on one side versus the other, it is deviated. This results in one airway being narrower, which can cause various symptoms. A deviated septum can range in severity (or in deviation from the center) and may need surgical treatment.

Definition and Causes

A deviated septum is a condition where the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages, known as the nasal septum, is displaced or crooked. This displacement can cause one nasal passage to be significantly smaller than the other, leading to breathing difficulties and other symptoms. The causes of a deviated septum are varied and can include injury or trauma to the nose, such as from contact sports, car accidents, or falls. Genetics also play a role, as some people are born with a deviated septum due to developmental issues during fetal growth. Additionally, repeated sinus infections and other conditions can contribute to the development of a deviated septum over time.

Causes & Deviated Septum Symptoms

A deviated septum is a condition that can be caused by:

• A nose injury can commonly occur during contact sports, car accidents, falls, etc. The trauma from this can displace the septum.
• People can also be born with a deviated septum, which means that it occurs during fetal development.

A deviated septum impacts the airflow in the nose and can actually block airflow in the obstructed nostril. This can cause various symptoms related to nasal airflow and breathing difficulties, including:

• Skin in the nose becomes dry and cracked, causing frequent nosebleeds
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus infections
• Headaches
• Postnasal drip
• Discomfort during sleep
• A deviated septum can block airflow through the nasal cavity, which is a common deviated septum cause sleep issues like snoring and sleep apnea
• Loud breathing while sleeping (excessive snoring)
• Contribute to sleep disorders like sleep apnea

Depending on the severity of the deviated septum, people can experience no symptoms or experience them chronically. For some, they may only experience symptoms while they also have a cold or upper respiratory infection. This causes the tissues in the nasal passage to swell and can worsen airflow, activating other symptoms.

If you experience these symptoms frequently, it is important to consult a doctor and have your septum examined so that the seriousness of the condition can be diagnosed.

Diagnosing a Deviated Nasal Septum

Diagnosing a deviated nasal septum typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. When you visit a healthcare provider, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, they will perform a thorough examination of your nasal passages. Using a nasal speculum, they gently open the nostrils to get a clear view inside. They may also use a lighted scope, known as an otoscope, or perform a nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal and sinus passages more closely.

In some cases, your doctor might order imaging tests like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get a detailed look at the nasal septum and surrounding structures. The diagnosis of a deviated septum is usually made based on the findings from the physical examination and any diagnostic tests performed.

Treatment Options

Treatment for a deviated septum depends largely on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition. For some individuals, medications may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion and sinus pressure. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the deviated septum and improve breathing.

Treatment with Nasal Steroid Sprays

There are useful ways that you can manage some of the symptoms of a deviated septum. There are medications that alleviate symptoms, including the following:

• Decongestants work to reduce the swelling of nasal tissue, which allows your airways to be opened and prevents airflow restriction. They commonly come in the form of a pill, but sprays are available as well.
• Antihistamines: target and treat the symptoms of allergies such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, stuffy nose.
• Nasal steroid sprays: which have to be prescribed and also works reduce swelling, opening up the nasal pathways.

If these medications are not helpful and you continue to experience recurring sinus infections and nosebleeds, you should definitely consult a doctor. To diagnose and address the correction of a deviated septum, a doctor will use a nasal speculum, which is an instrument that opens the nostrils. With a light, the doctor will examine each nostril and the tissues that line the nostril. Depending on your symptoms and the specific kind of deviated septum, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further examination and discuss the possibility of deviated septum surgery. You could be referred to an ear, nose, and throat doctor or plastic surgeon to undergo a corrective procedure.

The surgical treatment of a deviated septum is called septoplasty. This procedure involves moving your septum in a centered position. Septoplasty can sometimes (not always) involve rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is when the shape and/or size of the cartilage and bone of your nose is modified which reshapes the external part of the nose. Surgery is typically effective, improving airflow and preventing infection, nosebleeds, disrupted breathing etc. Nasal surgery, such as septoplasty, can significantly enhance breathing and address structural issues in the nose.

Medications

Medications for a deviated septum can be quite effective in managing symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays are commonly prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal tissues, while antihistamines may be used to address symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, especially if allergies are a contributing factor.

Surgery

Surgery for a deviated septum, known as septoplasty, is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the nasal septum and removes or readjusts any excess bone or cartilage causing the deviation. A nasal speculum may be used to gently open the nostril, allowing the surgeon to access the nasal septum more easily. Septoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can take several hours to complete. This surgery can significantly improve airflow through the nasal passages, enhancing breathing and overall quality of life.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment for a deviated nasal septum depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. For mild cases, medications can be quite effective. Nasal steroid sprays, for instance, help reduce nasal congestion and inflammation, making it easier to breathe.

However, if your symptoms are more severe, septum surgery might be necessary. Septoplasty, the surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum, is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove or readjust parts of the septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages. This can significantly enhance your breathing and overall quality of life.

Complications and Related Conditions

A deviated nasal septum can lead to several complications and related conditions, including:

• Repeated sinus infections: A deviated septum can interfere with normal sinus drainage, leading to repeated sinus infections.
• Nasal congestion: The obstruction caused by a deviated septum can result in persistent nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.
• Nasal obstruction: A severely deviated septum can cause significant nasal obstruction, leading to breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.
• Sleep apnea: A deviated septum can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This is a common deviated septum cause sleep issue that can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health.
• Nasal polyps: The presence of a deviated septum can increase the risk of developing nasal polyps, which are growths that can further obstruct the nasal passages.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of a deviated nasal septum, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, or repeated sinus infections, it is essential to see a doctor. An ENT specialist can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.

In particular, you should see a doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Repeated sinus infections
• Nasal discharge or bleeding
• Sleep apnea or other respiratory problems

Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, ensuring you maintain a good quality of life.

Self-Care and Prevention

While a deviated septum cannot be entirely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Wearing protective gear during contact sports and avoiding rough play can help minimize the risk of injury to the nose. Additionally, avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can reduce the risk of developing sinus infections and other conditions that may contribute to a deviated septum.

For self-care, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Elevating your head while sleeping can also promote better drainage and reduce congestion. Avoiding allergens and irritants such as dust and pollen can further help alleviate symptoms.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. A deviated septum can lead to complications like sleep apnea and repeated sinus infections if left untreated. By consulting with a healthcare provider and following a recommended treatment plan, you can alleviate symptoms and improve your breathing.

Prevention of Repeated Sinus Infections

The best way to reduce your risk of a deviated septum is by taking measures to avoid injury. There are a few ways to do this, including the following:

• Wear any and all protective gear while playing sports
• Drive safely and wear a seat belt
• Wear a helmet while riding a bike, motorcycle, scooter, skateboard, etc.

Though most people with deviated septum do not experience chronic health concerns because of it, if you injure your nose or regularly experience the symptoms previously listed, we recommend having your nose evaluated.

Treating a deviated septum can drastically improve breathing and cure the symptoms associated with the condition. This will allow you to receive quality sleep and the ability to navigate your day without the disruption of triggered sinuses; really improving the quality of your life! Contact us at Enticare to learn more.