Nasal Deviation | Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The nasal deviation surgery or septoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide due to its advantages in eliminating nasal problems and facilitating breathing for people who suffer from nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing.

What is nasal septoplasty? How is it performed? What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods?

Here’s everything you need to know about nasal deviation surgery or septoplasty through the following lines of this article.

What is nasal deviation surgery?

The nasal deviation surgery helps treat dryness or crusting inside the nose, restoring the patient’s ability to control many vital and respiratory movements of the nose. This condition, known as nasal septum deviation, varies in degrees from mild to moderate to severe. The recovery rate from this condition through moderate surgery ranges from 50% to 65%. It is noteworthy that nasal septum deviation often affects children, particularly during the growth phase of the nose. A child may receive a blow to the nose, causing nasal deviation. Treating nasal deviation through surgery depends on the patient’s condition, followed by choosing the appropriate treatment to achieve quick recovery.

Nasal Deviation in English

The nasal deviation surgery in English is called "Nasal Septum Deviation".

Symptoms of Nasal Deviation

A person with severe nasal septum deviation may experience some symptoms, issues, or respiratory diseases that indicate the presence of the condition. The most prominent symptoms of nasal deviation include:

Difficulty Breathing

Nasal septum deviation can cause a person to have difficulty breathing easily, as air cannot pass smoothly through the nasal passages of the affected person. This naturally increases the difficulty in breathing, especially when suffering from flu, allergies, or various colds.

Headache and Nasal Congestion

Headaches and nasal congestion result from the air not passing directly and smoothly through the nose, leading to recurrent chronic headaches, various pains, and a feeling of heaviness in the head.

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)

Deviation of the nasal septum and irregular airflow cause dryness inside the nose, which results in drying of the internal nasal mucous membrane and may lead to nosebleeds.

Sinus Infections

One of the most common symptoms of nasal deviation is a greatly increased risk of sinus infections, especially when one nasal passage is blocked, making breathing more difficult.

Other Symptoms

There are other symptoms beyond those mentioned above that may indicate nasal deviation, including:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose during sleep, causing sounds such as snoring or wheezing.
• Feeling pain in the face.
• A tendency to sleep on one side and avoid sleeping on the other side.
• Frequent sinus infections.
• Nasal congestion appearing on one side only, not the other.

Causes of Nasal Deviation

The occurrence of nasal septum deviation and polyps is due to several causes, the most prominent of which are:

• This deviation in the nose may result from a congenital defect, or the nose being bent during its natural growth period in childhood.
• Nasal deviation due to trauma or other injuries such as fractures, or others.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include the following:

• Engaging in sports that involve physical contact.
• Not wearing a seatbelt while driving a car.

Complications

Nasal deviation can lead to blockage of one of the nasal passages, which consequently causes:

• Dry mouth due to chronic mouth breathing.
• A feeling of pressure or congestion in the nasal passages.
• Disturbed sleep because of inability to breathe through the nose at night.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose during sleep.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the causes of nasal septum deviation or nasal deviation by:

• Wearing a helmet or face mask when practicing certain sports like football.
• Wearing a seatbelt while driving a car.

Steps to Prepare for Nasal Deviation Surgery

Before seeking surgery, you should visit an experienced and specialized doctor in this field. Some of the questions the doctor might ask during your visit include:

• Do you currently feel that one nostril is better than the other?
• Has your nose ever been injured or bumped before?
• How long have you been feeling nasal blockage?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Do you feel a weakness in your sense of smell?
• What is the level of nasal blockage? Severe, moderate, or mild?
• Have you experienced any nosebleeds?
• Does sinusitis cause you any problems?
• What tools or medications do you use to relieve symptoms?
• If you used a decongestant spray, did it help you feel better or not?
• Have you used nasal adhesive strips before? Did they help you?
• Have you had any type of nasal surgery before?

Questions you should prepare before visiting the doctor and ask for answers include:

• What is the cause of these symptoms?
• Do these medications affect any other diseases I have?
• What is the best procedure for recovery?
• Do I need to follow any specific restrictions?
• Is there an alternative treatment method?

Preparations for Surgery

The preparations for nasal deviation surgery are similar to those of any other surgery. The preparation steps include the following:

• You must stop taking any medication that affects blood clotting or surgery in general about two weeks before the operation, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• If you are allergic to any medication, you must inform your doctor.
• If you have experienced nosebleeds, you must inform the doctor about their history.
• On the night before the surgery, stop eating or drinking; this helps prevent nausea, vomiting, or choking due to anesthesia during the operation.
• Do not go for the surgery without a family member to accompany you home, as anesthesia will prevent you from driving or using transportation alone.

Diagnosis and Treatment

During your first visit, the doctor will examine the inside of your nose using a strong light and will widen the nostrils. The doctor will also inspect the back of the nose with an endoscope—a long tube with a bright light at the end—to check the nasal tissues. After this, the diagnosis of nasal deviation (septal deviation) will be made.

What are the Treatment Methods for Nasal Deviation?

The treatment of nasal deviation or septal deviation is done through the following methods:

First: Managing the Symptoms

Usually, the doctor initially directs treatment towards managing and controlling the symptoms by:

• Using decongestants: These medications reduce swelling in the nasal tissues, allowing better breathing and keeping the nasal airways open. They are commonly available as nasal sprays or pills.
• Using antihistamines: These medications help prevent allergies and their symptoms in general, such as excessive nasal discharge or congestion, and are also used to treat colds or other non-allergic conditions.
• Using nasal steroid sprays: These sprays are prescription-only and are used to reduce swelling inside the nasal passages and help moisturize them. The effects usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks of use.

Second: Surgical Correction

Surgery is performed to treat nasal deviation, septal deviation, sinus problems, and turbinate hypertrophy.

• The nasal deviation surgery is performed under either general or local anesthesia.
• The surgeon creates a surgical opening in the nasal septum to remove the cartilage and bones causing the deviation, allowing the patient to breathe normally.
• The doctor places internal nasal splints to hold the septum in its new position and help the wound heal quickly.
• The operation lasts between 1 to 2 hours, and the patient can leave the hospital a few hours after the surgery.
• The patient might need cosmetic nose surgery after the septal deviation surgery.

Septal and Cartilage Surgery

This surgery is performed to correct a prominent nasal deviation that can cause several general health and respiratory system issues. It adjusts the position of the nasal septum so the patient can breathe smoothly and air flows naturally through the nose.

Surgical Risks

Like any surgery, nasal deviation surgery carries potential risks. Although these risks are limited when performed by experienced specialists, some risks include:

• Bleeding.
• Scar formation on the body.
• Formation of pits inside the nasal septum.
• Temporary loss of smell and nasal blockage after surgery.
• Changes in the color and shape of the nose.

Postoperative Tips for Nasal Deviation Surgery

Here are some tips to follow after septoplasty surgery to ensure quick recovery:

• It is recommended to sleep on two pillows rather than one to keep your head elevated, which helps reduce nasal swelling.
• Wear clothes that open from the front using zippers or buttons, and make sure they are loose to avoid pressing on your head while changing.
• Avoid blowing your nose completely for at least three days after the surgery.

Non-Surgical Techniques for Treating Nasal Deviation

There are many non-surgical techniques for treating nasal deviation without needing surgery, including:

Filler for Correcting Nasal Septum Deviation

Recently, filler use has become popular for cosmetic purposes due to its low cost and effective results. Filler is used to enhance facial features such as eliminating wrinkles, dark circles, lip augmentation, and cheek filling, in addition to its effectiveness in correcting the nasal septum's path.

The materials injected as fillers vary depending on the treated area, and for nasal septum correction, hyaluronic acid and autologous fat are commonly used.

How to Use Filler for Nasal Deviation Treatment

• The doctor injects the filler into the empty sides of the nose to ensure symmetry. One of the main advantages of using filler for nasal deviation correction is that it poses no risk to the nose itself or its function.
• No anesthesia or surgical incisions are required.

Laser for Treating Nasal Deviation without Surgery

• Laser technology has proven successful in the cosmetic field recently, and many people use it to address facial and body issues. The laser serves as an auxiliary tool in surgery by creating a small incision in the nose to correct the nasal passage. Additionally, the laser promotes quick wound healing and prevents postoperative bleeding.
• The laser is also effective in treating other nasal issues like polyps, which can be removed using laser beams.

Endoscopic Nasal Septum Deviation Treatment

• The endoscope provides a precise view of the nasal cavity, reducing surgical intervention. It allows better control during the procedure, giving the surgeon a wider field of view to accurately remove bones and cartilage while monitoring the process on a screen.

Advantages of Non-Surgical Techniques for Nasal Deviation Treatment

• There is no risk from local anesthesia, unlike the risks associated with general anesthesia, and no need for surgical incisions.
• No bleeding after the procedure.
• Lower cost compared to surgical treatment.

Cost of Nasal Deviation Treatment

The cost is reasonable and suitable for various patients. In Turkey, the cost of nasal deviation and sinus treatment ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 USD.

Here is a comparison of nasal deviation treatment prices worldwide:

What are the costs of nasal deviation treatment at SAT Clinic?

The cost of nasal deviation treatment at SAT Clinic starts from €3,500.

What is the success rate of nasal deviation surgery?

• The success rate of nasal deviation surgery reaches 80%. After recovery, the patient usually does not experience nasal septum deviation problems again and can lead a normal life.
• Approximately 20% of patients may need a repeat nasal septum deviation surgery for complete correction.
• The patient should ensure that the surgeon performing the operation is experienced in this field to achieve the desired results.

Why choose SAT Clinic?

• Rhinoplasty at SAT Clinic provides immediate and guaranteed results.
• The procedure is safe and common, with no associated risks.
• The surgery usually takes no more than three hours in most cases.
• The clinic’s doctors are known for their professionalism and good reputation in achieving satisfactory results.
• The costs at the clinic are lower compared to other countries worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nasal Deviation | Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

How is nasal deviation treated?

Severe nasal deviation is usually treated with surgery, where small incisions are made in the nasal septum to remove excess bone and cartilage to facilitate breathing. In some cases, rhinoplasty may be performed along with the nasal deviation surgery to correct any deformities that may occur in the shape of the nose as a result of the procedure.

What are the symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

The problems caused by a deviated nasal septum, such as nasal obstruction, reduced airflow through one of the nasal passages, and breathing difficulties, depend on the severity of the deviation. Additionally, a deviated septum can cause other issues, such as improper nasal drainage, which may increase the risk of infections and lead to postnasal drip.

Does nasal deviation affect the face?

Nasal septum deviation does not cause many problems, but if it develops into sinusitis, some complications such as facial pain can be expected.

Does nasal deviation affect the voice?

Nasal septum deviation can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic sinus infections, chronic tonsillitis, middle ear infections, headaches, voice changes, recurrent nosebleeds, changes in the external shape of the nose, and snoring.

Does nasal deviation affect the heart?

Correcting the nasal septum reduces the likelihood of complications in the heart and high blood pressure. As you know, high blood pressure is also a very important factor in cardiovascular diseases. As a result, patients with a deviated nasal septum are more likely to develop heart and lung diseases compared to others.

Reliable Information Sources for Nasal Deviation | Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

• mayoclinic