Deviated Septum: What is It, Causes, Treatment & Symptoms

Deviated Septum Treatment

The majority of people don't require deviated septum treatment since their symptoms are either nonexistent or minor.

Septoplasty

A surgical procedure known as a septoplasty is used to treat a deviated septum. A septoplasty can be an option for you if you experience breathing issues, recurrent sinus infections, or other irritating symptoms. You could be a candidate for a septoplasty if the symptoms of your deviated septum are severe. Your healthcare practitioner will assess your::

• Septum
• Age
• Health
• Risk factors
• Existing medical conditions
• Previous operations
• Use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco

A septoplasty typically takes one to two hours to do as an outpatient. You would return home on the same day. The septoplasty process consists of three basic steps:

• Step 1 – Anesthesia: To make sure you're at ease, your surgeon will likely employ both local and general anesthetic. The area is numbed with local anesthetic. Throughout the surgery, general anesthesia puts you to sleep.
• Step 2 – Repair: The membrane covering the septum is split by your surgeon. The distorted cartilage and bone are then removed by the surgeon. After that, your surgeon restores the membranes and stitches them back together.
• Step 3 – Bandaging: Your surgeon might bandage your nose with gauze. Depending on your procedure, you can also have bandages on the outside of your nose.

Usually, doctors would conduct this procedure through the nose. However, sometimes a surgeon will additionally perform a rhinoplasty (commonly known as a "nose job," which reshapes the nose) or sinus surgery (to open the sinuses). Depending on your healthcare provider's advice, you would decide on the type of surgery.

Deviated Septum Prevention

Some people have a deviated septum from birth, and this cannot be prevented. If your septum was not deviated at birth, you can take precautions to lessen your chance of harm. Your nose can be shielded by using a helmet or face mask when engaging in sports, wearing your seatbelt, and staying away from physical sports.

To conclude, a deviated septum is prevalent. In most cases, symptoms are minimal or absent. Speak with your healthcare professional if you experience troublesome symptoms, such as snoring, face pain, headaches, congestion, or breathing problems.

References

Aaronson, N. L., & Vining, E. M. (2014, November). Correction of the deviated septum: from ancient Egypt to the endoscopic era. In International forum of allergy & rhinology (Vol. 4, No. 11, pp. 931-936).

Certal, V., Silva, H., Santos, T., Correia, A., & Carvalho, C. (2012). Trans-septal suturing technique in septoplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rhinology, 50(3), 236-245.

Hwang, P. H., McLAUGHLIN, R. B., Lanza, D. C., & Kennedy, D. W. (1999). Endoscopic septoplasty: indications, technique, and results. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 120(5), 678-682.

Kridel, R. W., Scott, B. A., & Foda, H. M. (1999). The tongue-in-groove technique in septorhinoplasty: a 10-year experience. Archives of facial plastic surgery, 1(4), 246-256.

Moore, M., & Eccles, R. (2011). Objective evidence for the efficacy of surgical management of the deviated septum as a treatment for chronic nasal obstruction: a systematic review. Clinical otolaryngology, 36(2), 106-113.