The Unseen Impact of a Deviated Septum
When you breathe, have you ever noticed that one nostril seems more open than the other? Or you may experience frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, and difficulty sleeping due to a blocked nose. If yes, there’s a possibility you might be living with a deviated septum. According to Harvard Health Publishing, approximately 80 percent of the population has some form of nasal septum deviation, albeit many are unaware of the condition. In this article, we will discuss septum deviation, its effects, and ways it can be corrected.
Understanding deviated septums
The septum is a critical structure in your nose, acting as a divider that separates the right nostril from the left. Composed of a thin and firm layer of cartilage and bone, the septum forms the central framework that gives your nose its internal shape.
In a perfectly constructed nose, the septum runs straight down the middle, creating an equal division that allows for balanced airflow in both nostrils. This symmetry is crucial for optimal function, as it enables us to breathe comfortably and efficiently, an action we often take for granted. A deviated septum is a condition where the septum is displaced or deviates to one side.
Symptoms: How a deviated septum can affect quality of life
A deviated septum can cause a range of symptoms, varying in severity depending on the degree of deviation. Some people with a deviated septum may not experience any symptoms, while others may have several. Here are some common symptoms associated with a deviated septum.
- Difficulty breathing: One of the most noticeable symptoms is difficulty breathing through the nose. This can be more pronounced in one nostril if the deviation is more significant on one side.
- Nasal congestion: You may experience frequent nasal congestion, often more severe on one side.
- Sinus infections: Recurrent sinus infections can be a sign of a deviated septum, as it can interfere with sinus drainage.
- Nosebleeds: The surface of the nasal septum can become dry, increasing your risk of nosebleeds.
- Sleep problems: Problems with breathing during sleep, including snoring and sleep apnea, can be exacerbated by a deviated septum.
- Headaches: Some people with a deviated septum experience headaches thought to be due to disrupted airflow and sinus pressure.
- Postnasal drip: A feeling of mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat.
Treatments
While a significantly deviated septum may require surgical intervention, there are several lifestyle modifications and medications that can help manage the symptoms, especially in milder cases. These include:
Nasal sprays
Saline nasal sprays can help moisturize the nasal cavity and alleviate congestion, making breathing easier.
Decongestants
Over-the-counter or prescription decongestants can reduce swelling in the nasal tissues, opening the nasal passages. However, these should be used for short periods as they can lead to dependency.
Antihistamines
These can be used to treat symptoms related to allergies that can exacerbate the symptoms of a deviated septum.
Nasal steroid sprays
These prescription sprays can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and help alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction.
Avoiding irritants
Individuals with a deviated septum should avoid irritants, such as smoke and allergens, that can worsen nasal congestion.
Humidifiers
A humidifier can help keep the nasal and throat passages moist and alleviate symptoms, particularly in dry climates or during winter.
Elevating the head during sleep
Sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce congestion and improve breathing at night.
Remember, it’s important to discuss these options with a health-care provider to decide the most effective approach to manage the symptoms associated with a deviated septum.
The role of septoplasty and rhinoplasty in treatment
When lifestyle modifications or medications fail to alleviate the symptoms, surgical interventions like septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery come into play.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to straighten a deviated septum. By repositioning or reshaping the septum, it restores normal airflow, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with severe deviations. On the other hand, a rhinoplasty procedure, often known as a nose job, primarily focuses on altering the nose’s shape for cosmetic reasons or to correct deformities following an injury.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty procedure: a combined approach?
In certain cases, patients might consider undergoing septoplasty and rhinoplasty simultaneously. This combined approach is particularly beneficial when the deviated septum contributes to an externally visible nasal asymmetry or when the patient wishes to modify the nose’s aesthetics while addressing the septal deviation.
A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty yielded high patient satisfaction rates, improving both function and aesthetics. This dual approach can be a comprehensive solution; however, the decision to undergo one or both surgeries should be made after careful consideration and detailed discussions with a board-certified surgeon. Factors such as your medical history, severity of symptoms, aesthetic goals, and recovery time should all be considered.
If living with a deviated septum has become a daily struggle that impacts your breathing, sleep, and overall quality of life, and you’re searching for “rhinoplasty Toronto,” contact Dr. Richard Rival today for a consultation.