Nasal Deformity

A nasal deformity is a structural and visual imperfection of the nose that causes breathing difficulties, poor sense of smell, and other issues. Nasal deformities can be induced by a congenital abnormality, a traumatic accident, or a medical condition. Snoring, heavy breathing, bleeding in the nose, dry mouth, and chronic sinusitis are most common in people with nasal deformity.

The nasal deformity can be of several types, including, 

1. Congenital Deformity: Congenital disability, abnormal growth that can be found in the nose, is called congenital deformity.
2. Deviated Septum: A deviated septum can be either congenital or the result of trauma. In this type of deformity, the wall between the nasal passage may bend or be deformed to any side. 
3. Saddle Nose: The loss of nasal height is defined as Saddle Nose, also known as pug or boxer's nose.
4. Ageing Nose: This type of deformity occurs because of the absence of support which leads to a long and thin nose with a drooping nasal tip that points downwards.
5. Enlarged Adenoids: When adenoids (Lymph glands) become enlarged, they can block the air passage, leading to sleep apnea. 
6. Enlarged Turbinates: There are three turbinates present on the side of each nostril which cleans and humidifies the air. When they get swollen, it can interfere with breathing.

Symptoms of nose deformity include:

1. Blockage of One or Both Nostrils
2.  Nose Bleed
3. Facial Pain
4. Loud Breathing During Sleep. 
5. Frequent sinus infections
6. Reduced sense of smell
7. Sleep Apnea
8. Frequent infections in the Sinus.

The following are the most significant causes of nasal deformity:

1. Congenital (Abnormality present at Birth): A newborn baby born with a cleft lip, cleft palate and nasal mass.
2. Nasal Trauma or Injury: A septal hematoma, septal fracture, or nasal bone fracture can develop from a nose injury. Septal hematoma is a blood clot within a septum that can lead to a nasal deformity. A fracture can cause a septal deviation and nasal bone displacement. 
3. Prior Nasal Surgery: Scar tissue, weakness, or collapse of the nasal support structures can occur in patients who have had nasal surgery.
4. Nasal Mass: The structure of the nose can be altered by a mass or growth that can be cancerous or noncancerous.
5. Age-related Changes: The nasal structures may weaken or collapse as people get older. Medical Conditions: Nasal shape and function are commonly affected by the following medical conditions: Allergic fungal sinusitis, Sarcoidosis, Wegener’s Disease, Relapsing Polychondritis, and other connective tissue diseases. 

The doctor will examine the inside and exterior of the nose. For the interior inspection, a fiberscope (a camera linked to a flexible optical fibre) is employed. The specialist can use this device to examine if there's a mechanical obstruction or if your nose collapses when you breathe in.

This examination allows for the diagnosis of both cosmetic and functional issues. The doctors will then explain to you the issues that need to be addressed, as well as the surgical procedures that will be used and the strategy that will be taken.

Medication to relieve symptoms and surgery to correct the structural defect are two options for treating nasal abnormalities.

1. Medications:  Medication may be recommended to aid with sinus issues, infection, or breathing problems.

1. Antihistamines: It is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, but they may also be used to treat nasal congestion and aoedemaema of nasal tissue.
2. Steroid Spray: These prescription drugs help to reduce nasal tissue inflammation.
3. Decongestants: These medications help to clear congestion and reduoedemasal oedema.
4. Analgesics: These are over-the-counter medications used to relieve headaches and Sinus pain.

2. Surgery: 

1. Rhinoplasty: It is used to reshape nose structure, conducted for enhanced nasal function or a more attractive look. After surgery, you should avoid vigorous activities for 3 to 6 weeks.
2. Septoplasty: In this surgery, the septum, cartilage, and bone that divides the two nasal chambers are surgically straightened. After the surgery swelling can last two to three days, but it might take up to three months to fully recover.
3. Closed reduction: A fractured nose can be repaired without surgery using this approach. It works best if done within a week of a nasal injury. Pain lasts for two to three weeks after the surgery.

1. If left untreated, the nasal deformity will interfere with your everyday life. However, if it becomes difficult to breathe regularly, it can lead to sleep apnoea and poor sleep quality. With age, both respiratory issues and aesthetics tend to worsen.
2.  Over time, the nasal cartilage might become softer, weaker, and brittle if not treated in time.