Understanding Nasal Deviation: Causes, Signs, and Treatment Options
This article explores nasal deviation, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. It explains how a deviated septum affects nasal airflow, identifies warning signs, and discusses both non-surgical and surgical management options. Understanding these factors can help individuals seek timely medical attention and improve nasal health and breathing comfort.
Nasal Deviation Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Some individuals have noses that appear crooked and face ongoing breathing problems. This condition stems from a deviated septum, where the thin cartilage and bone separating the nasal passages shift out of alignment. Temporary breathing difficulties are common, but persistent issues could indicate a deviated septum with associated inflammation.
Deviated Septum
The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two nostrils, positioned in the center. When it deviates, one side may become narrower, potentially obstructing airflow.
A nasal septum deviation results from a shift in the cartilage and bone, causing one passage to be smaller. While many have a slight deviation without symptoms, a significant deviation can block airflow and impact breathing. Around 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation, often without health concerns. However, in some cases, it affects quality of life and requires medical attention.
Causes
Deviated septum may be congenital or caused by external trauma. Congenital deviations are inherited, whereas injuries from falls, sports, or accidents like car crashes can also displace the septum.
Early Warning Signs
Identifying a deviated septum without a doctor’s examination is challenging. Visible signs include a crooked nose or a narrower nostril upon tilting the head back and inspecting. Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils also suggests possible deviation. Consulting an ENT specialist can confirm the diagnosis through examination and tests.
Symptoms
Blocked nasal passages due to deviation can cause severe congestion, inflammation, and swelling. It may diminish the senses of smell and taste and cause pain, particularly after injury. Common symptoms include:
Runny nose
Breathing difficulty through one or both nostrils
Postnasal drip
Nasal congestion
Snoring
Loss of smell or taste
Pain or pressure in sinuses and ears
Nosebleeds
Dryness in nostrils
If breathing becomes severely restricted accompanied by facial pain or frequent sinus infections and nosebleeds, medical consultation is advised. Persistent symptoms affecting daily life should also prompt a healthcare assessment.
Diagnosis
Doctors utilize a nasal speculum to examine the internal nasal structures and determine the extent of deviation. They may ask about breathing, sleeping issues, and sinus problems. Visiting an ENT specialist ensures comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.
Management Options
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Non-surgical approaches include nasal strips, anti-inflammatory medications, nasal rinses, and allergy management to alleviate congestion. In cases where deviation causes significant health issues, surgical procedures like septoplasty are recommended. Septoplasty involves straightening or removal of parts of the septum to improve airflow. Often combined with procedures such as rhinoplasty or turbinoplasty, this intervention effectively restores nasal function when necessary.
Important Note:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult licensed healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment of nasal or sinus conditions.
