Deviation of the nasal septum is a congenital or acquired condition, usually as a result of trauma, which can lead to an obstruction of airflow in one or both nostrils, resulting in difficulty in breathing properly

In the case of nasal breathing obstruction, a visit to an ENT specialist will be necessary to assess the causes and the appropriate treatment strategies to help the person recover effective nasal breathing.

Deviation of the nasal septum and nasal breathing obstruction: the symptoms

The nasal septum is a bony, cartilaginous structure that divides the nasal passages into two.

Deviation of the nasal septum is a displacement of one or both portions of the nasal septum which, due to congenital or acquired anatomical alteration of a post-traumatic nature, causes an asymmetry in the flow of air in and out of the nostrils.

The nose, however, not only has the function of letting air through: it also serves to filter and thermo-humidify the air to protect the lower airways – i.e. the bronchi and lungs.

Insufficient breathing and a reduction in the filtering capacity of the nose can lead to problems in the bronchi and lungs, associated with acute and recurrent rhinosinusitis.

If you have a deviated septum, you may see an ENT specialist because you have a feeling of nasal obstruction in one nostril more often, which can worsen in some cases – for example, when sleeping or when you have a cold.

Consultation with an ENT specialist is essential if you are to breathe well and effectively again.

An endoscopic evaluation and, if necessary, a CT scan of the facial massif is used to correctly identify the disorder.

Respiratory disorders can have negative repercussions on many other factors affecting daily life, such as:

– the quality of sleep

– concentration in work and study activities;

– intellectual performance at school or work;

– sporting and sexual life;

– general health.

Is surgery for deviation of the nasal septum always necessary?

Deviation of the nasal septum can only be resolved surgically with septoplasty, although drug therapies can be combined to de-inflate the turbinates or resolve the symptoms of chronic rhinitis or recurrent rhinosinusitis.

Septoplasty is a very common surgical procedure that is performed under general anaesthesia in day surgery.

Once anaesthetised, an incision is made in the nasal cavity and, after separating the mucous membrane of the nasal septum, the deviated cartilage and bone are reshaped and/or removed until a good alignment of the nasal septum is achieved.

The internal sutures are made of resorbable material that does not need to be removed later.

If necessary, a nasal tampon can be placed at the end of the operation and removed after 24-48 hours, depending on the surgical technique used.

After the operation, the upper lip may swell slightly, and the sensitivity of the upper incisors or the sense of smell may be reduced.

However, there is no need to worry: these are temporary complaints that tend to disappear gradually.

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Source:

Humanitas