Causes of Deviated Septum
- A deviated septum can be congenital, meaning some people are born with it.
- Injuries such as fractures from sports, car accidents, or physical altercations can result in a deviated septum.
- Developmental factors during childhood can also lead to septum deviation as the nose grows.
Symptoms of Deviated Septum
- Symptoms can include difficulty breathing through the nose, especially one side.
- Nasal congestion often leads to snoring and sleep disturbances.
- Frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections are common complications.
- Facial pain and headaches may occur due to nasal passage blockage.
Diagnosis Procedure
- Diagnosis involves physical examination using a nasal speculum to view the septum.
- Endoscopic examination and possibly imaging like X-rays or CT scans are utilized to assess the septum.
- Patient symptom history and allergies play a crucial role in diagnosis.
Conservative Management and Medications
- Mild cases may only require management through medication like nasal decongestants, steroid sprays, or antihistamines.
- Medications help manage symptoms but do not correct the anatomical deviation.
Surgical Treatment: Septoplasty
- Septoplasty reshapes the septum to improve nasal airflow and is usually an outpatient procedure.
- Surgery is considered when symptoms significantly affect quality of life and conservative treatments fail.
- The procedure is minimally invasive with no external scars and involves the repositioning of cartilage and bone.
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