Deviated Septums
Deviated The nasal septum is a thin wall that distinctly separates the left and right nostrils, creating two separate nasal passages. Ideally, the septum should be centrally aligned, facilitating an equal distribution of airflow on either side of the nose. However, for many people, this isn’t the case. Approximately 80% of people have some form of deviation in their nasal septum. This condition is known as a deviated septum.
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum leans or is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This displacement can lead to several complications, including difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, recurring sinus infections, facial pain, noisy breathing during sleep, and in severe cases, loss of the sense of smell.
The symptoms of a septum are often more pronounced when an individual has a cold or allergies because these conditions can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. A person with a septum may also experience recurring sinus infections due to disrupted sinus drainage leading to mucus buildup and consequent sinusitis.
Causes of Deviated Septums
A deviated septum can be present at birth (congenital) or develop after an injury to the nose. Some people are born with a septum because their nasal septum didn’t straighten out while they were still in the womb. Other people develop a deviated septum after an injury or trauma to their nose. Trauma can cause the nasal septum to move out of position.
In rare cases, certain medical conditions or growths in the nose (such as a tumor) can also lead to a deviated septum. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with a deviated septum.
Progression of Deviated Septums with Age
While some experts argue that a deviated septum does not worsen with age because it’s primarily a structural issue, others suggest that aging can exacerbate symptoms associated with this condition.
The physical deviation itself may not worsen over time; however, age-related changes in our bodies can influence how we experience a septum. For example, as we get older, changes in our body’s cartilage structure can lead to narrowing of the nasal passages, potentially making an existing deviated septum seem worse.
Moreover, other age-related health conditions such as allergies or chronic sinusitis can further aggravate symptoms of a septum. These conditions often cause inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages, making them narrower and more susceptible to obstruction.
Despite these factors, it’s important to note that not everyone will experience worsening symptoms with age. The progression and severity of symptoms largely depend on individual health factors and lifestyle choices.
Managing Symptoms of Deviated Septums
Managing symptoms associated with a deviated septum often begins by addressing any underlying conditions that may be exacerbating the problem. If allergies are causing additional nasal inflammation and congestion, for instance, antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle modifications also play an essential role in managing the symptoms of a deviated septum. These changes include maintaining good hydration—which helps keep your nasal tissues moist—using a humidifier at home or work (especially during dry months), avoiding known irritants such as smoke or allergens that could worsen your symptoms, and practicing good sleep hygiene.
In cases where conservative measures are not enough to alleviate symptoms or improve quality of life, surgical intervention may be considered. Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum. This operation involves straightening and repositioning the nasal septum into the middle of your nose which may involve cutting and removing parts of your septum before reinserting them in the correct position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a deviated septum improve without treatment?
While it's unlikely for the physical deviation itself to improve without intervention, many people successfully manage their symptoms through various conservative measures such as medications or lifestyle modifications.
What are the common symptoms of a deviated septum?
Common signs and symptoms include nasal congestion or obstruction (often one-sided), difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils—especially during sleep—frequent nosebleeds, facial pain or pressure, recurring sinus infections, snoring or noisy breathing during sleep, and reduced sense of smell.
Does insurance cover surgery for a deviated septum?
Insurance coverage for surgery varies depending on your specific insurance plan. Most insurance providers will cover septoplasty if it is deemed medically necessary to restore proper nasal function but it's always best to check directly with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
How long does recovery take after septoplasty surgery?
Recovery time after surgery can vary greatly among individuals but most can expect some swelling and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Complete healing usually takes several weeks and regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to treat a deviated septum?
Yes, there are numerous non- surgical alternatives available which aim at relieving symptoms rather than correcting the physical deviation. These include using nasal strips or dilators to improve airflow during sleep or undergoing allergy treatment to minimize nasal inflammation.
Can exercise help manage symptoms of a deviated septum?
Exercise alone won't fix a deviated septum but activities like yoga which emphasise deep breathing techniques can help improve overall respiratory health and strengthen respiratory muscles.
Can I prevent worsening my existing deviated septum?
While you cannot change the structure of your nose without medical intervention, avoiding potential triggers such as allergens and smoke which cause congestion can help maintain better airflow through your nostrils.
Can children have a deviated septum?
Yes, children can have a deviated septum too. It can be congenital (present at birth) or caused by an injury. Symptoms are similar to those in adults including difficulty breathing through the nose and frequent nosebleeds. In conclusion, while a deviated septum is quite common among adults and children alike, its impact on quality of life varies from person to person. The condition doesn't necessarily worsen with age; however, age-related changes in our bodies' structures and health status can exacerbate symptoms associated with it.
