How nasal septum correction works

Nasal septal defects are a common pathology in children and adults that require radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not life-threatening, but is a pronounced cosmetic defect. Correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is performed according to strict indications.

Types and causes of septal defects

There are the following types of errors:

1. Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, difficulty breathing, sinusitis and tonsillitis (tonsillitis). Curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic, and compensatory (in the background of octopuses), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, anterior or posterior.
2. Perforation. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. The pathology results from rupture of the peri-cartilage tissue and detachment of the submucosa.
3. The backrest sinks. Occurs in the background of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by flattening of the bone tissue and shortening of the back.

The most common causes of different nasal septum are:

1. Injuries (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karate fighters, wrestlers, mixed martial arts fighters) are more prone to injuries. The defect develops with a strong shock, against the background of which the osteochondral disc moves. Deformation often occurs when improper adhesion occurs after fracture.
2. Abnormal growth of skull bones. The large size of the nasal cavity helps to bend the septum. This is a compensatory response.
3. Rare anomalies (strong development of Jacobson rudiment). It limits the space for growth and development of the septum.
4. Chronic unilateral rhinitis. Nasal congestion on one side can cause curvature.
5. Tumors.
6. Abscesses.
7. Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the sinuses.
8. Complicated inheritance (nose curvature in parents).
9. Octopuses.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

If a person has a curved nasal septum, the following symptoms are possible:

1. Violation of nasal breathing. It’s easy and hard to the point where one only breathes through one’s mouth. The absence of this symptom does not rule out the presence of an error.
2. Chronic rhinitis. Occurs as a result of impaired ventilation and microbial growth.
3. Common allergic reactions.
4. Congestion.
5. Swelling of the mucous membranes.
6. Headache. Congestion, complications in the form of sinusitis, increased pressure on the mucous membranes and irritation of the receptors.
7. Common episodes of ARVI. Manifested with cough, sneezing, fever.
8. Dry mucous membranes.
9. Nose bleeding.
10. Sleep apnea. Respiratory arrest attacks during sleep.
11. Snoring.
12. Sleep disturbance.
13. Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. This is due to lack of oxygen.
14. Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, depression of the back).
15. Deterioration of attention and memory.

Less commonly, symptoms such as cough, sweating, decreased smell, tinnitus, dryness, nose, changes in facial expressions (open mouth, change in bite) have been observed.

Diagnosing the severity of the error

The following studies allow the identification of the error and its severity:

1. Computed tomography (detects spines, vertebrae and related diseases).
2. MRI. It is performed when a neoplasm is suspected.
3. Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
4. Endoscopy. A tube is used with a camera.
5. Rhinometry (change in airflow and degree of congestion).
6. Visual inspection.

In addition, analyzes are performed (allergy tests, smear bacteriological examination, clinical blood test) and survey.

Treatment methods

The remedy is only possible with surgery. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.

Which doctor to go to

If you have symptoms of a septal defect, you should see an otolaryngologist (otorhinolaryngologist). You may need to consult a surgeon.

Conservative treatment

The goal of conservative treatment is to eliminate edema and symptoms (runny nose, congestion). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictive sprays and drops may be used. They often perform laser therapy.

Surgery (septoplasty)

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. It is most often performed endoscopically, without incision, using a monitor and camera. Advantages:

• rapid rehabilitation;
• efficiency;
• simplicity;
• minimal blood loss and trauma;
• the presence of an antiseptic effect (when using a laser).

Less commonly, resection or septochondroprotection is used. The degree of nasal breathing and the age of the patient are taken into account before performing septoplasty.

Indications for surgery

Indications for nasal surgery:

• difficulty breathing;
• presence of chronic rhinitis;
• ear infection;
• severe headache;
• pronounced cosmetic defect;
• sinusitis;
• pronounced snoring;
• regular nosebleeds.

Contraindications to surgery

Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:

• elderly patients,
• haemophilia (a blood clotting disorder)
• severe heart disease
• mental disorders
• diabetes,
• Cancer,
• severe forms of infection,
• arterial hypertension,
• during the flowering period of the plants (allergic),
• during pregnancy,
• breastfeeding the baby.

Preparing for septoplasty

Nasal straightening is performed after tests (HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation with specialists (therapist, otolaryngologist, anesthesiologist), premedication and anesthesia.

On the eve, it is not recommended to eat and clean the intestines after 18: 00.

It is important to disinfect the oral cavity (cure all diseases, including sore throats, rhinitis, pharyngitis).

It is recommended for women to restore the proper shape of the nose 2 weeks after menstruation.

Characteristics of the postoperative period

After performing nasal septum correction, you should:

• wear cotton turundas in the nose for 1-2 days;
• taking antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• observed by a doctor (specialist should rinse your nose, clean it of bark and blood).

Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period

Recommended after rhinoplasty:

• avoid heavy loads;
• refuses to visit spas and saunas;
• don't take your nose;
• do not overcool;
• excludes pressure and temperature drops (refuses to fly, climb, swim).

Effectiveness of surgery

Photos of people before and after surgery are dramatically different.

Removing the defect removes the cosmetic defect and any symptoms, making it easier to breathe.

The efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after nasal septum correction

Correction of the nasal septum at the current stage of development of medicine, the operation is simple. But there may still be postoperative complications.

Surgery can result in adhesions, tissue fusion, hematoma or abscess formation, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plate, decreased smell, perforation, blurred vision, and nerve damage.