What is a deviated nasal septum?
The nasal cavity is divided by the nasal septum made of bone and cartilage. When this nasal septum is displaced or crooked it makes breathing difficult. The condition is called deviated nasal septum.
When the deviation becomes severe it blocks the nose from one side resulting in reduced airflow causing difficulty breathing and epistaxis.
Classification of Deviated Nasal Septum?
1. Anterior dislocation:
Septal cartilage is dislocated into one of the nasal chambers.
2. C-shaped deformity:
A septum has deviated to one forming a curve.
3. S-shaped deformity:
Septum makes an S-shaped curve either in a vertical or anteroposterior plane.
4. Spur:
It is a projection found at the junction of bone and cartilage. It puts pressure on the lateral wall and results in a headache.
5. Thickening:
Thickening occurs due to the overriding of septal fragments.
Cause Of Deviated Nasal Septum?
-Patient acquires deviated septum by birth.
-Direct trauma to the nose.
Deviated Nasal Septum Signs and Symptoms?
-Obstruction of one or both nostrils.
-Nosebleeds due to drying up of the surface of the nasal septum.
-If a deviated septum comes in contact with the outside wall of the nose it results in facial pain.
Recurring sinus infections.
-Noisy breathing during sleep is common in infants and young children.
How serious is a deviated septum?
If the deviated nasal septum is severe, it can block or obstruct any of the nostrils and reduce airflow causing difficulty in breathing.
Does a deviated septum affect sleep?
Nasal congestion from a deviated nasal septum leads to loud breathing and snoring which generally disturbs sleep.
Investigations of Deviated Nasal Septum?
-Diagnosis is made based on observation and symptoms.
-X-ray
Treatment for deviated nasal septum?
-Medicines give symptomatic relief but do not correct the deviated septum.
-Decongestants help in reducing nasal congestion.
-Antihistamines.
-Nasal steroid sprays reduce inflammation and help in preventing runny nose.
-Septoplasty is a surgical procedure through which a deviated septum is corrected.
Complications of Deviated Nasal Septum?
-Sinus infection
-Facial pain and headache
-epistaxis/nosebleed
-Obstruction of nose
Diet/management of Deviated Nasal Septum?
-Avoid blowing and picking your nose much
-Avoid adopting games where there are chances of a blow to the nose such as boxing etc.
-Wear safety gear while playing
-Wear a seat belt while driving a vehicle
-Avoid over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays
Homoeopathic treatment for Deviated Nasal Septum?
-Arum triphyllum
-Nux Vomica
-Silicea
