Health Centres - Deviated nasal septum
What is a deviated nasal septum?
The nasal septum is the structure which normally divides the nasal cavity into two halves.
Although it is often a little crooked, this does not usually cause problems. However, sometimes the septum is so deformed that the air passage is blocked in one or both nostrils. The nasal septum can be crooked without it being visible from the outside.
How does a deviated nasal septum occur?
It is either present from birth or occurs due to damage to the nose as a result of trauma to the face - sustained in a fight or a fall, for example.
What are the symptoms?
-
Nosebleeds.
- Blockage of the nose, which is caused by significant deviation.
- Occasionally, headaches or colds.
- It may also make sinus infection more likely.
What can you do to avoid a deviated nasal septum?
- Use appropriate safety equipment during sports.
- Use a helmet when riding a bike or roller skating.
- Fasten your seat belt when driving.
How does the doctor make a diagnosis?
The doctor will look inside your nose using a device to open the nostrils or a special kind of telescope. A diagnosis will then be made based on these observations and your own symptoms.
Good advice
Even if you have a crooked nasal septum, there is no need to contact your doctor unless you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.
How is it treated?
There are several possible operations that can be performed. These involve moving cartilage and bone or repositioning the cartilage (the gristle). An operation usually lasts less than an hour, but swelling following surgery may delay final improvement for up to six weeks.
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