Symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose are common ailments that most people consider not serious and are symptoms of a common cold that will go away on their own or just by taking a little medicine. However, did you know that sometimes nasal congestion and runny nose can be signs of diseases that are more dangerous and severe than a cold? One of these is “Deviated Nasal Septum”, a condition that many people may not know about but can cause a decline in quality of life and may also be a cause of snoring.
What is a deviated nasal septum and who is at risk?
A deviated nasal septum usually results from abnormal growth of the nose, causing the cartilage in the front part of the nose to be too long, leading to bending or twisting to one side, which compresses the nasal cavity on one side. Another cause can be a broken nose from an accident, causing the cartilage to bend and deform. Typically, in severe cases, the nasal septum is visibly twisted, but in mild cases, it may not be noticeable or appear abnormal. This condition is often found in people with prominent noses because the cartilage in the front of the nose is longer and more prone to deviation than in normal noses. This is especially common among foreigners or people of mixed race, who are more likely to have a deviated nasal septum.
How to recognize symptoms and the possibility of having a deviated nasal septum?
Most patients do not realize they have a deviated nasal septum unless it is severe enough to see the nasal axis visibly twisted. Most patients come with feelings of nasal congestion, some have runny noses, difficulty breathing, or some may come with snoring and constant nasal whistling sounds. However, doctors must diagnose the cause first to provide the correct treatment. Symptoms of a deviated nasal septum to watch for include:
- Nasal congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing
- Pain in the area where the deviated septum presses against the nasal mucosa
- In mild cases, nasal congestion occurs intermittently, not constantly, whereas in severe cases, congestion may be frequent, constant, and accompanied by pain
How is it diagnosed to confirm a deviated nasal septum?
Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, checking the junction between the cartilage and bone in the nose, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Doctors use special cameras designed to examine the nasal cavity and sinuses, called Nasal Endoscopy and Sinuscope. These tools help determine whether nasal congestion is caused by a deviated nasal septum or other reasons.
Treatment steps when a deviated nasal septum is found
For patients with a mild deviated nasal septum, doctors will consider treatment with medication to control and relieve nasal congestion, allowing patients to live normally and more comfortably. If congestion is mild, doctors may prescribe steroid nasal sprays. For patients with pain, pain relievers and medications to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa will be given to relieve pain and congestion. This treatment is symptomatic and does not correct the deviation itself.
For patients with a severe deviated nasal septum, doctors may consider surgical correction (Septoplasty), which is performed using endoscopic techniques with incisions inside the nose, leaving no external scars. The duration of surgery depends on the severity and location of the deviation, typically lasting about 2-3 hours.
During surgery for a deviated nasal septum, doctors can also combine the procedure with cosmetic rhinoplasty. Cartilage removed during surgery can be used to enhance the tip of the nose to be more elevated, prominent, or aesthetically pleasing according to the patient’s desires and the doctor’s discretion.
How to take care of yourself safely after deviated nasal septum surgery?
After deviated nasal septum surgery, although it is a minor operation, patients should stay in the hospital for at least one night to monitor for bleeding or nosebleeds. After surgery, patients may experience pain when breathing, bleeding, or nasal discharge, which is normal and may take at least one week to return to normal. Patients can care for themselves after surgery by:
- Cleaning the inside of the nose as instructed by the doctor
- One week after surgery, nasal irrigation should be done to remove blood clots and reduce infection risk. Nurses will provide instructions and teach patients how to perform nasal irrigation themselves.
- Regularly follow up with the doctor to monitor recovery until fully healed
How dangerous is it if a deviated nasal septum is left untreated?
A deviated nasal septum is not life-threatening but can interfere with daily life and reduce quality of life. Besides causing nasal congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and nasal pain, it can also cause snoring. Therefore, if you have symptoms that may indicate a deviated nasal septum, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment to return to a normal and happy life.
Dr. Naparat Jirawatpalin
Specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
