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What is a Deviated Septum?
Deviated Septum Surgery – A deviated septum is where the cartilage and bone wall separating the two nostrils (septum) is crooked. It can cause several problems, including difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and chronic sinus infections.
A deviated septum is a common medical form in which the nasal septum, the thin partition of cartilage and bone that parts the two nostrils, is not centered; instead, it leans to one side. In a normal nose, the septum divides the nasal cavity into two equal and symmetrical passages, allowing for unobstructed airflow through the nose. However, in a deviated septum, the septum is displaced, causing one nasal passage to be larger and more open than the other.
Deviated septums can vary in severity. Some individuals may have only a slight deviation that doesn’t cause noticeable problems, while others may have a significant misalignment that can lead to various health issues and discomforts.
What are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
The symptoms of a deviated septum can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Snoring
- Frequent sinus infections
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Ear pain
- Fatigue
What are the Causes of a Deviated Septum?
Causes of a Deviated Septum:
Deviated septums can result from various factors, including:
- Congenital Condition: Some people are born with a deviated septum, which can develop during fetal development.
- Trauma or Injury: A deviated septum can also arise due to a direct blow to the nose, such as a fall, accident, or sports injury.
- Aging: The nasal septum can shift and become more misaligned due to natural aging.
- Nasal Growth Spurts: During puberty, the nose may undergo growth spurts, which can lead to changes in the alignment of the nasal septum.
- Other Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as nasal tumors or polyps, can also contribute to the deviation of the septum.
The exact cause of a deviated septum is not always known, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Birth trauma
- Injury to the nose
- Allergies
- Chronic sinus infections
- Certain medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis
How is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?
A doctor usually diagnoses a deviated septum during a physical examination. The doctor will look inside your nose and use an otoscope to see if the septum is crooked. In some cases, imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI, can be ordered to get a better look at the septum.
How is a Deviated Septum Treated?
In most cases, a deviated septum does not require treatment. However, surgery may be recommended if the condition is causing significant problems, such as difficulty breathing.
What is Deviated Septum Surgery?
Deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is a surgical method to straighten the septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that splits the two nostrils. A deviated septum is a condition in which the septum is crooked, which can cause several problems, including difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and chronic sinus infections.
Septoplasty is usually performed outpatient; most people can go home the same day. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you will fall asleep during the surgery.
During septoplasty, the doctor will make an incision in the nose and use various tools to straighten the septum. The bone and cartilage might be removed, reshaped, or repositioned. Sometimes, the doctor may also perform a rhinoplasty (nose job) to improve the nose’s appearance.
The recovery process for septoplasty varies from person to person, but most people experience discomfort and swelling after surgery. The doctor might prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain.
Most people can return to work or school within a week or two of surgery. However, it may take several weeks or months for the swelling to go down completely and for the full benefits of the surgery to be realized.
The risks of septoplasty are generally minor, but they can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus infections
- Numbness or tingling in the nose
- Scarring
If you are considering deviated septum surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Your doctor may help you decide if surgery is right for you.
Here are some of the benefits of deviated septum surgery:
- Improved breathing through the nose
- Reduced snoring
- Reduced risk of sinus infections
- Improved sense of smell
- Improved appearance of the nose (if rhinoplasty is also performed)
Is Deviated Septum Surgery Very Painful?
You should expect some swelling around the nose for two or three days and may opt to miss a few days of work or school until the nose heals. There is regularly little pain after surgery. If you experience uneasiness, your surgeon may suggest over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen.
What is the Recovery Process for Deviated Septum Surgery?
The recovery process for septoplasty varies from person to person, but most people experience discomfort and swelling after surgery. The doctor can prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain.
Most people can return to work or school within a week or two of surgery. However, it may take several weeks or months for the swelling to go down completely and for the full benefits of the surgery to be realized.
Does Insurance Cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Insurance coverage for deviated septum surgery varies from plan to plan. Some projects might cover the entire surgery cost, while others may only cover a portion. However, it is important to check with your insurance company to see if your plan covers deviated septum surgery and how much of the price they will cover.
If you are considering deviated septum surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Your doctor might help you decide if surgery is right for you.
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