Deviated Nasal Septum - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

When the septum (cartilage and bone that separates the nasal cavity) is off-centred, it is called a deviated septum or commonly called “crooked nose”. This condition may be present since birth or occur as a result of injury to the nose. Breathing difficulties, congestion, and headaches can all be symptoms of a poorly deviated septum. A deviated septum can be repaired with surgery.

Causes

A deviated nasal septum can result from injuries or trauma to the nose. Examples of nasal injuries include:

1. Car accident
2. Injuring the nose during a physical fight
3. Sports injuries to the nose
4. Some people may also be born with a deviated septum. In this case, it is a congenital abnormality. It could also be the result of normal growth. The septum develops with the growth of the nose, and it can occasionally grow to one side.

Signs and symptoms

The most typical sign of a severely deviated or crooked septum is difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose. A person with a deviated septum may also experience the following symptoms:[

1. Bleeding from the nose
2. Headaches
3. Facial pain
4. Sinus infections
5. Nasal congestion
6. Breathing noisily
7. Snoring during sleep

1. An ENT specialist is the best person to diagnose a deviated septum.
2. Diagnosis of a deviated septum involves a detailed physical examination of your nose by the doctor.
3. A nasal speculum, nasal endoscopy, or otoscope may be used during the physical examination.
4. The nasal speculum helps the doctor to open the nostril during the physical examination.
5. An otoscope helps to visualize the inside of a nose and ear. Nasal endoscopy allows examining the inside of the nasal or sinus passage.
6. A CT scan of the nose may also be performed if necessary

Nonsurgical Treatment 

1. The majority of people do not require treatment for deviated septum since they have no or minor symptoms. However, symptoms such as congestion can be treated with medications. Depending on your symptoms, a doctor may recommend the following medicines:
2. Decongestants: These medications help to reduce oedema in the nasal passages and sinuses. Stuffiness, face pain or pressure, and headaches may be relieved by these drugs. It is available in the form of nasal sprays or tablets.
3. Nasal Rinses: Excess mucus is washed away with the help of nasal rinses. This helps to get rid of symptoms such as a stuffed nose.
4. Corticosteroid sprays: Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that can bring down the swelling in the tissues of the nasal passages and sinuses.

The Benefits of Treating Deviated Nasal  Septum are

1. 1Improved breathing – overall breathing function is greatly improved since the nasal passages are opened up.
2. Better sleep quality – reshaping a crooked septum not only improves airflow while you're awake,
3. Reduction  or elimination of snoring and/or sleep apnea and improves the overall quality of your sleep

It can cause 

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
2. When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, worsening of ADHD and headaches