Nasal septal deviation, also known as Deviated Septum, is a nasal disorder that occurs when the septum shifts away from the midline of the nose. The septum is a soft bone that divides the nasal cavity in half.
The normal nasal septum is located exactly in the center, separating the left and right parts of the nose into two channels of the same size. This shifting or twisted septum (deviation) can cause air flow in and out of the nose to be blocked, resulting in impaired breathing.
Symptoms usually feel worse on one side of the nose, and sometimes even occur on the opposite side of the crooked direction of the septum. In some cases, a twisted septum can interfere with sinus drying, resulting in recurrent sinus infections (sinusitis).
Deviated Septum Symptoms
Symptoms of nasal septal deviation can be:
Nasal passages clogged
Obstruction or closure of the nostrils will inhibit the entry of air into the nose, making it difficult for sufferers to breathe. This condition is similar to shortness of breath when you have a flu or cold.
Facial pain
Severe nasal septal deviation conditions can cause pressure on the inner nasal wall. This may cause headaches or facial pain that occurs on one side.
Breath sounds when sleeping
Swelling in the nose due to septum bone abnormalities can make the air flow in the nose become abnormal. This condition that can make your breath sound during sleep.
Nosebleeds
Inhibition of airflow in the nose will make the surface of the skin inside the nose dry. As a result, the skin is easily injured and bleeds. This is what triggers nosebleeds.
Feel more comfortable sleeping on one side of the body
The bending of the septum will inhibit the flow of air inside the nose. This blocked airflow is also affected by the position of the body. Therefore, you will feel more comfortable sleeping on one side of the body than the other.
Headaches
The blockage of airflow in the nose will leave you deprived of oxygen. This can trigger headaches.
Recurrent sinus infection
Nasal septal deviation will inhibit the flow of air in the cavities around the nose. This cavity is called a sinus. If the airflow in the sinuses is obstructed, the sinuses will be easily attacked by bacteria and have infections or sinusitis.
Deviated Septum Causes
Conditions at birth.
In some people, Deviated Septum appears as congenital birth. Either from the womb or due to injury at birth. After birth, Deviated Septum is more common due to injuries that shift the nasal septum from its place. Starting from just colliding with people while walking by the roadside, tripping while walking. Trauma in the septum, commonly caused by sports injuries, during regular activities until traffic accidents.
Aging process
The normal aging process can also affect the nasal structure, worsening it over time. As a result, there is also frequent swelling in the nasal tissue due to the appearance of rhinitis or rhinosinusitis. Both can make the nasal channel narrower, so that what was once just a nasal deviation becomes nasal obstruction.
Swelling and irritation of the nasal cavity or sinus cavity
Swelling and irritation of the nasal cavity or sinus cavity (rhinosinusitis) can also narrow the nasal passages of the deviated septum, where this results in a nasal blockage.
Risk factors of deviated nasal septum
This condition can occur during fetal development or due to injury during childbirth. After birth, a Deviated Septum is most often caused by injury. Other factors that affect the Deviated Septum are:
- Doing physical contact sports.
- Not wear seat belts or wear helmets while driving.
Source:
- Image: Mike Gerkin, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Video: Dr. Kassir Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
