The nasal septum is made up of bone and cartilage and divides the nasal cavity into two units called nasal pits, which are accessed through the nostrils. When it is crooked, it is generally referred to as a ‘deviated septum’

This condition is common to many people – about 80 per cent of the population, most of them unknowingly, have a misalignment of the nasal septum, which in some cases can make breathing difficult.

Among other things, the septum is particularly fragile, and even a slight bump or injury to the nose can cause it to deviate.

Deviated septum: symptoms

As a rule, the most common symptom of a deviated septum is nasal congestion, usually with one side of the nose more congested than the other, along with difficulty breathing.

Other frequent symptoms may be:

– problems sleeping;

– noisy breathing and snoring;

– facial pain or headache.

Many people, however, have a slightly deviated septum that does not cause any particular problems.

Deviation of the nasal septum: what tests should be done?

People who always feel a stuffy nose and have difficulty breathing should consult an ENT specialist.

The causes of these symptoms can be varied and it is important to investigate them promptly.

After examining the nose and adjacent areas, the specialist may suggest that the patient undergo further examinations such as:

– Nasal endoscopy: A flexible tube called an ‘endoscope’ is used to examine the nasal passages in more detail;

– CT scan of the facial massif: an imaging test that allows the bony structures of the nose and sinuses to be studied in detail.

How is deviated septum treated?

Most people with a deviated septum do not need special treatment.

If the problem is incapacitating for the patient, as it prevents them from breathing normally, surgery for functional correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) may be necessary, to realign the deviated nasal septum.

Septoplasty is a functional operation and does not involve changing the shape of the nose.

During septoplasty, the surgeon, working inside the nose, makes a small incision in the septum and removes excess bone or cartilage to even out the breathing space of the nostrils.

After the operation there will be no bruising or swelling of the nose, and in most cases there is no pain.

If possible, it is best to wait until the nose stops growing, around the age of 15, to undergo surgery.

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Source:

Humanitas