A deviated nasal septum, also known as a septal deviation, is one of the most common issues affecting the nose and the respiratory system. It may be present from birth, often going undetected for a long time. Sometimes, it leads to serious health problems and reduces everyday quality of life. Can you live with a deviated septum, and how can you tell if you have one?
Deviated Nasal Septum – What Is It?
The nasal septum is the structure that divides the nasal cavity into two parts—right and left. It is a thin barrier of cartilage and bone that maintains nasal symmetry and enables free airflow through the respiratory tract. A deviated nasal septum means this structure is uneven, deformed, or shifted toward one of the nasal cavities. The degree of deviation can vary from mild deformities to more severe cases requiring surgical intervention.
Causes of a Deviated Nasal Septum
There are many causes of a deviated nasal septum. The most common include:
- Developmental defects.
- Mechanical injuries to the facial area.
- Perinatal injuries, for example, a broken nose during passage through the birth canal.
Such incidents lead to tissue deformation. At the same time, many people with a deviated nasal septum have had no injury at all—the condition may be congenital or develop in childhood due to improper bone or cartilage growth.
Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated septum does not always show symptoms. Many people with this condition experience no problems and may be unaware of any deformity. However, in more advanced cases, it can cause various issues that lower quality of life. The most common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose and having to breathe through the mouth, leading to dryness in the mouth and snoring at night.
- Frequent infections — deviations can hinder sinus drainage, promoting mucus buildup and infection.
- Snoring and sleep apnoea, which reduce sleep quality and may cause chronic daytime fatigue.
- Headaches, typically in the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes.
Diagnosis – The Role of Facial CT Scan
Accurate diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum is crucial for implementing the right treatment. The first step for a doctor is a detailed medical history to establish symptoms and medical background. Then the doctor performs a physical exam to assess the nasal appearance and airflow.
For a thorough assessment of the deviation and its impact on the patient’s health, more advanced imaging methods such as facial CT scans are required. A CT scan provides detailed images of the nasal structures, sinuses, and other facial elements. With this technology, the doctor can precisely determine the degree of septal deviation, identify any sinus changes, or detect other potential facial problems.
A CT scan is particularly helpful in planning surgical treatment, for example, septoplasty (surgical correction of the nasal septum). It allows precise treatment planning and an evaluation of potential complications.
Treating a Deviated Nasal Septum
Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment may involve both conservative and surgical methods. These approaches can address the problem of a deviated septum and improve quality of life.
For mild symptoms, treatment may be limited to anti-inflammatory medications, nasal moisturizers, nasal sprays, and pain relievers. Various breathing exercises can also help.
If symptoms are very severe and conservative treatment does not help, surgery may be necessary. The most common procedure is septoplasty, which straightens the deviated septum. This procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time.
A deviated nasal septum can significantly affect a patient’s health and comfort. Although in many cases the symptoms are mild and do not require intervention, treatment is often needed following thorough diagnosis. The condition of the nasal septum can be evaluated with imaging studies such as CT scans of the sinuses.
Check our offer: Sinus CT scan in Kraków. We also perform CBCT scans for even more precise diagnostics. With these examinations, specialists can choose the right treatment methods to improve airway patency and eliminate troublesome symptoms. This helps patients breathe more comfortably and improves their quality of life.
Sources:
- dr n. med. W. Brzoznowski, Krzywa przegroda nosowa, Mp.pl, 6.02.2012, dost. 20.11.2024
- dr n. med. M. Zagor, lek. med. P. Czarnecka, lek. med. M. Janoska-Jaździk, Operacje nosa, Mp.pl, 1.02.2018, dost. 20.11.2024