Septoplasty surgery to correct a deviated septum
A nasal septum (comprising of bone and cartilage) is a cartilaginous structure that separates the two nasal passages or nostrils (right from the left nostrils). In some individuals, this thin wall (septum) can be positioned inappropriately (that is more towards one side), thereby making one nostril smaller than the other. The reason for such a deviated nasal septum • •
includes:
Nose injury or trauma. A birth-related condition- This misalignment of the nose occurs during fetal development. Over time, normal aging can also worsen the improper nasal structures.
Some signs and symptoms of deviated septum: • • • • • • • •
A severe off-center nasal septum can obstruct one or both nasal passages and cause a problem in breathing due to restricted airflow. It may result in bleeding and crusting because of the drying effect of reduced airflow. Some people snore (noisy breathing) when asleep and suffer from sleep apnea. Rhinitis and rhinosinusitis can reoccur many times, which is a major symptom that tells that deviated septum needs to be repaired. Nasal obstruction, especially during the night that leads to breathing difficulties. Pain in the nose, one-sided facial pain, and pain under the eye area. One feels increased pressure on one of the nostrils. Headaches and post nasal mucous drips.
What is septoplasty surgery? In milder cases, the deviated nasal septum does not cause any serious health implications. However, in severe cases, it can lead to frequently blocked nostrils that