Curvature of the nasal septum: symptoms, causes and treatment

Curvature of the nasal septum is the displacement of the lamina that divides the nasal cavity in two. This shift can trigger many breathing problems, so it is important to establish the cause and treat the condition. It is possible to correct the incorrect position of the septum only by surgery.

Causes of the curvature

In children, the curvature of the nasal septum almost never occurs, usually its deformation occurs in adults and adolescents. The reasons that cause it can be divided into three groups:

• physiological;
• compensatory;
• traumatic in nature.

The first group includes congenital anomalies, as well as abnormal growth of the bones of the skull. The second category includes polyps and tumors of the mucous membrane: because of them, breathing is impaired, and the nasal septum is bent. Traumatic causes are fractures and other injuries that can dislodge the nasal bones.

Curvature symptoms

Determining the nasal curvature is quite simple. The patient has difficulty breathing, there is a feeling of stuffiness and dryness in the nose. There are also accompanying symptoms:

• the appearance of purulent discharge;
• mood swings, exposure to stress;
• pain and noise in the nose.
• enlargement of the adenoids;
• strong snore;
• trouble smelling;
• violation of concentration of attention;
• frequent inflammation of the sinuses.

Another common symptom is headache. This is due to the fact that due to improper breathing in a person, oxygen deficiency occurs. It is difficult to detect the curvature of the septum by external signs; both sides of the nose look symmetrical.

If a person has a curved nasal septum, he is more likely to suffer from viral diseases. When the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, the septum bends even more. In addition, disturbed breathing leads to the development of rhinitis, which can cause such a serious illness as bronchial asthma. A deviated nasal septum can cause blurred vision, decreased immunity, abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, otitis media and sinusitis.

How is septal deviation treated?

The surgery - septoplasty will help to correct the curvature. If the purpose of plastic rhinoplasty is to change the shape of the nose, then septoplasty is performed only to restore normal breathing. During surgery, the nasal septum remains in place, and only those parts of it that interfere with breathing and provoke health problems are removed.

In some cases, septoplasty cannot be done. Such contraindications are serious problems with internal organs, diabetes mellitus, poor blood clotting, as well as the development of malignant tumors. Septoplasty is also contraindicated during pregnancy and with exacerbation of chronic diseases.

The operation takes place under local or general anesthesia. Its cost depends on the degree of curvature, the type of anesthesia and the amount of measures that are prescribed for rehabilitation.

Most patients respond positively to the results of septoplasty. A person restores breathing, nasal discharge disappears, pains in the nasal region disappear. After the operation, no scars remain and even the shape of the nose is improved.

There are a number of rehabilitation measures that are required after septoplasty. Since the nasal septum is fixed with cotton swabs, you will have to breathe through your mouth for a while. During this period, you should not go on vacation, since temperature drops are prohibited for the patient. To eliminate pain symptoms, pain relievers are prescribed. In addition, to prevent infections after surgery, the patient undergoes a course of antibiotic therapy.

Discharge from the hospital takes place in 7-10 days. During this time, cotton swabs are removed, but slight swelling may remain. During the month, significant physical activity and climate change are not recommended.

If you have any signs of curvature of the nasal septum, you should see your doctor. Measures taken in time will help prevent breathing problems and complications.