Septum deviation (nasal curvature) is the bending of the septum structure, which is made of cartilage and bone in the midline of the nose, to the right or left. It is either congenital or develops later as a result of trauma.
It gives symptoms such as difficulty in breathing through the nose, sleeping with the mouth open, snoring, and dry mouth in the morning.
It should be treated because of its negative impact on life comfort and the negative effects of low oxygen intake on body systems.
The operation is usually performed after the development of the nose is completed, that is, after the age of 18. However, sometimes it can be done under special conditions in cases of extreme congestion in the children’s group.
Nasal curvature or enlargement of the nose causes many complaints in daily life. These complaints can be listed as follows;
nasal congestion
sleep with mouth open
Snore
dry throat
dry mouth in the morning
waking up tired
Persistent nasal congestion
upper respiratory tract infections
nosebleeds
facial pain
The problem of curvature of the nose, which is not treated in a long time, can also cause lung and heart problems because it prevents the body from getting enough oxygen. In case of such complaints, an otolaryngologist is consulted. After the evaluation of the patient’s general health and complaints, the septum tissue is examined with a nasal speculum. Various radiological examinations can also be used in the surgical planning process.
How is Deviation Surgery Performed?
Nose deviation surgery can be performed in any season. It is done with the closed method, by entering through the nose. There is no bruising and swelling on the face and around the eyes.
A special silicone tampon is used inside the nose. It is removed after 48 hours. You stay in the hospital for one day or can be removed on the same day when conditions allow.
It is not a painful procedure as patients fear. Post-operative pain control is provided with simple painkillers.
There is no shape change in the nose after the deviation surgery.
People with deviations become clogged more quickly in cases of cold and flu, take longer to recover, and have frequent sinusitis and pharyngitis.
In allergic people, if there is a deviation in the same way, nasal congestion will be long-term or will not go away.
In deviation surgeries, enlarged turbinates (nasal meatus) are also intervened. The structure we call the nose meat is a spongy structure located on the side wall inside the nose.
It plays a role in heating and humidifying the air we breathe. They are dynamic structures, they grow and shrink according to the environmental conditions.
It can be said that people with variable nasal congestion or changes during the day have a nasal concha problem.
Infection (cold, sinusitis), allergies, chemicals, polluted air, smoking, etc. can cause growth. Although these cause short-term blockages, they result in permanent nasal flesh growth over time.
In cases where drug therapy is not sufficient, radiofrequency or endoscopic reduction is performed. This procedure can be performed together with deviation surgery or it can be done alone.
Nasal reduction in suitable individuals can also be done locally with the radiofrequency method.
It should not be confused with the adenoid, which is in the adenoid at the back of the nose in childhood.
While adenoid is the leading cause in childhood nasal congestion, deviation and concha are more prominent in adults.