Deviated Nasal Septum
Deviated Nasal Septum (Curvature of the Nasal Bone)
The nasal septum is the structure that divides the right and left nasal cavities into two sections, starting from the middle of the nostrils. It consists of cartilage in the front half and bone in the back half. A deviation in the septum, whether congenital or caused by external factors, is referred to as a deviated nasal septum.
While the deviation is often visible in the shape of the nose, it can sometimes occur in noses that appear straight.
Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated nasal septum can lead to a series of interconnected complaints that significantly affect quality of life. These symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Reduced sense of taste and smell
- Loss of appetite
- Snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Frequent recurrence of conditions such as sinusitis and lower respiratory tract infections
- Bad breath
- Fatigue due to poor sleep quality
- A metallic or “rusty” taste in the mouth
Treatment for a Deviated Nasal Septum (Surgery)
The only treatment for a deviated nasal septum is surgery. Two surgical procedures are commonly performed: septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty is a functional procedure aimed at correcting the deviated septum. Rhinoplasty may be performed in cases where the deviation significantly affects the aesthetic appearance of the nose. These surgeries are typically carried out after the nasal bone has fully developed (17–18 years old in males, 15–16 years old in females). In urgent cases, they can be performed earlier.
Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about one hour. If rhinoplasty is also performed, the procedure may take 4–5 hours. The surgery corrects the curvature of both cartilage and bone, leaving no visible scars.
Preoperative Considerations for Septoplasty
Patients should pay attention to the following before undergoing septoplasty:
- Inform the doctor of any regular medications or chronic conditions.
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, at least one week before surgery.
- Report any active infections to the doctor.
- Refrain from smoking for the duration specified by the doctor prior to surgery.
Postoperative Care After Septoplasty
Patients are typically discharged on the same day as the surgery. Nasal tampons placed during the procedure are removed after two days without causing pain. Mild bloody discharge may occur for a few days, which is normal. However, excessive bleeding should prompt immediate medical consultation. Temporary numbness in the upper lip may also occur but resolves on its own. The nose is cleaned by the doctor weekly for 3–4 weeks following the procedure.
Postoperative care instructions include:
- Sleep with the head elevated (using 2–3 pillows).
- Protect the nose from impacts and avoid touching or manipulating it manually.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol products for the period specified by the doctor.
- Do not blow the nose until permitted by the doctor.
- Refrain from wearing glasses for the duration specified by the doctor.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy physical activity for two weeks.
- Use sun protection and sunscreen as advised by the doctor.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for oral hygiene.
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