THE NASAL SEPTUM AND THE DEVIATED SEPTUM
We have all heard about the “deviated nasal septum” but what exactly is it? Should every nasal septum be completely straight? If I can’t breathe, is it the result of this deviated septum? First, let’s start with the definition of a nasal septum.
WHAT IS A NASAL SEPTUM?
The nasal septum is a key structure within the nose, made up of cartilage and bone: it is the wall of bone and cartilage covered with moist soft tissue that divides the left and right side of your nose. It starts in the front of your nose and divides your nostrils and continues until in the back into your nose it ends and the breathing passages join again. The two separate chambers ensure that airflow is evenly distributed through each nasal cavity.
This division is crucial for the proper functioning of the nose, including air filtration, humidification, and temperature adjustment before the air enters the respiratory tract.The nose normally will swell on one side and decongest on the other side (the nasal cycle) so it is normal for breathing to “flip back and forth” between sides of the nose.
WHAT IS A “DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM”?
Nasal septum deviation, often referred to as a deviated septum, is a condition where the septum shifts away from the midline, causing one nasal passage to become narrower than the other. Keep in mind that all nasal septums have bends in them: There is no such thing as a perfectly straight septum.
A septum is termed “deviated” when it is crooked enough to block the breathing on one or both sides of the nose. If you don’t have trouble breathing then you don’t have a “deviated nasal septum”: It may be bent, but if that doesn’t bother you then you don’t need to do anything about it. However, this shift can significantly affect a person’s breathing, leading to various nasal symptoms and impacting their quality of life.
WHAT CAN CAUSE THE NASAL PASSAGE TO DEVIATE?
- Trauma, such as from an accident or injury, is a leading cause of septal deviations. This can include incidents like automobile accidents or sports injuries.
- A minor deviation may not present noticeable symptoms but can occur naturally or develop with age. As the structures of the face change, the septum might not maintain its central position.
- Severe deviation can occur naturally in the body, affecting airflow and leading to bothersome symptoms. Some people are simply born with a deviated nasal septum.
Being able to breathe better from your nose can dramatically improve your quality of life.
WHY IS A DEVIATED SEPTUM IMPORTANT?
Humans are physically designed to normally breathe through our noses. This makes a deviated septum more than just a structural issue; it can lead to a series of complications that impair breathing, disrupt sleep quality, and decrease the sense of smell, to name a few. These complications can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, making it a health concern that often requires medical treatment.
In some patients, a deviated septum can lead to nasal obstruction, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart and lung failure and even heart attacks.
SYMPTOMS OF A DEVIATED SEPTUM
DIFFICULTY BREATHING THROUGH THE NOSE OR SLEEP APNEA
Obstructed nasal breathing and sleep apnea are common in individuals with a deviated septum. The blockage can cause snoring and interrupted sleep, significantly affecting sleep quality.
RECURRING NOSEBLEEDS
A deviated septum can lead to frequent nosebleeds due to dryness and irritation in the nasal cavity, indicating potential obstruction or damage.
PERSISTENT NASAL CONGESTION (ONE OR BOTH NOSTRILS)
Nasal congestion, often one-sided, is a typical symptom of a deviated septum. This can hinder daily activities and disrupt sleep by making breathing through the nose challenging.
CHRONIC SINUSITIS
Chronic sinusitis, marked by ongoing sinus inflammation and infection, is frequently caused by a deviated septum. Symptoms include sinus pressure and nasal discharge, impacting overall well-being.
HEADACHE AND FACIAL PAIN
Individuals with a deviated septum may experience regular headaches and facial pain due to altered airflow and sinus pressure, often worsened by associated sinus infections.
ARE THERE OTHER REASONS NOT TO BREATHE WELL?
Yes. You may also have inferior turbinate hypertrophy which is swelling of the tissue on either side of the inside of your nose that can block your breathing. Nasal valves have been shown to be as common a cause of nasal obstruction as the deviated nasal septum. These are the narrowest areas where air passes inside the nose and opening the valves can improve airflow and breathing.
Besides a deviated septum, other factors such as allergies, nasal polyps, environmental irritants, nasal tumors, trauma, congenital defects, autoimmune diseases, and others can cause breathing issues. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment, whether it be through medication, surgery, or lifestyle adjustments.
PREPARATION FOR A DEVIATED SEPTUM SURGERY (SEPTOPLASTY)
Diagnosing a deviated septum involves a detailed Medical History and a physical examination by a healthcare professional, often using a nasal speculum to inspect the nasal passages. In some cases, imaging tests may be recommended to assess the extent of the deviation and plan the appropriate treatment.
When visiting Mourad MD, you will meet with Dr. Mourad where he usually spends an hour going over everything related to your surgery. He will evaluate and make sure that he can specifically tailor a custom care plan to your exact needs. During the consultation, Dr. Mourad will determine the exact nature of your complaints and the exact causes. He may prescribe medications that will assist in your complaints. Once a tailored plan is made, Dr. Mourad and his staff will take you through all the necessary information needed to make sure that your surgery happens without issue. We take care of the details so that you can have the most enjoyable experience.
Dr. Mourad views treating his patients to be nothing short of a privilege and an honor and enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and fully understand their issues. Dr. Mourad’s office provides a boutique experience that takes you out of the mindset of being at the doctor’s office. It is a warm, comfortable environment, providing a bespoke experience.
POTENTIAL TREATMENTS FOR A DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM
SEPTOPLASTY BY A FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON
Surgical treatment, such as septoplasty, is performed by plastic surgeons to correct the crooked septum, aiming to restore normal airflow through the nose. This outpatient procedure is considered a safe and common procedure with few complications.
MEDICATIONS TREATING SYMPTOMS OF DEVIATED SEPTUM
Medications, including nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, and antihistamines, can manage symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and inflammation. However, these treatments do not correct the underlying structural issue but can improve quality of life by alleviating some of the nasal symptoms. No medicine will actually straighten the cartilage and bone that may be obstructing your nose!
If you have a mild septal deviation, nasal saline rinses feel good for many patients and may rinse away stagnant mucus, allergens, and impurities. Other decongestants in pill or liquid form can decongest the nose but the pills can increase blood pressure and the sprays can be addictive and give more congestion after just using a couple of days.
The choice of treatment, whether surgical or medical, depends on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the person’s daily life. With proper care and treatment, most individuals can expect to see a significant improvement in their symptoms and overall health.
HOW CAN DR. MOURAD HELP ME WITH MY DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM?
Most patients who come into our office have been on all of the medications and may still not breathe well. We will discuss all the options for treatment with you. We feel that educated patients are happier and more realistic about their treatment. Our office will check your benefits and deal with insurance as much as possible. Dr. Mourad is an expert at all forms of nasal surgery and is happy to discuss your care with you. Please let us know how we can help you.
