Deviated Septum: Do you also have difficulty breathing?

Have you ever felt like one side of your nostril is more blocked than the other? This can be especially noticeable when you have a cold. For some people, this is a constant problem. In most cases, this is due to the deviated septum , which we are talking about today. Let's take a look at what this actually is, why it happens, and what can be done about it.

What is a deviated septum?

Simply put, there's a wall between your nostrils that separates them, right? It's made of cartilage and bone . We call it the nasal septum . If this wall is straight and straight, the cavities inside your nostrils are the same size. Then air can flow in and out of both nostrils without any obstruction.

But the amazing thing is, in about eight out of ten people, this nasal wall is slightly tilted. But most people don't even know about it because it doesn't cause any problems or symptoms.

The problem arises when this contraction becomes too much. Then the nasal cavity on one side becomes narrow. This can make it difficult to breathe on that side. It can also cause other problems, such as frequent nosebleeds.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Sometimes, if the nasal wall is very flat, you may see a slight slope even when looking at your nose from the outside. If it's not clear when you look straight in the mirror, take a photo of your nose from the bottom. If your nostrils are not the same size, one looks larger and the other smaller, you may have this condition.

Below are some other common symptoms that can be caused by this stretch.

A simple test you can do at home

Although this is not as accurate as a test performed by a doctor, you can get a little idea for yourself.

1. Close one nostril with your finger.

2. Now take a deep breath in through the other nostril. See how easily/difficult the air comes in.

3. Now close the other nostril and breathe as before.

4. If breathing on one side is significantly more difficult than the other, you may also have a nasal septum.

What are the causes of nasal wall sagging?

There may be two main reasons for this.

• Congenital: Many people are born with this condition. It may be due to a slight push during birth. Also, as the child grows, this wall can become heavier and grow to one side as the nose grows. This is the most common cause.
• A subsequent accident: This wall can also be damaged and pulled due to an accident to the nose. For example, if you are hit by a ball while playing cricket, in a fight, in a car accident, or if you fall and injure your nose while playing as a child, this can occur.

In addition, snorting drugs such as cocaine can also cause this condition by damaging the nasal wall.

What other complications can this cause?

A small bump on the wall of the nose usually doesn't cause any problems. However, if the bump is severe, it can cause other health problems.

• Chronic sinusitis : Frequent sinus infections can occur when mucus , like mucus, does not drain properly due to blockage of the nasal passages.
• Dry mouth : Many people have a habit of breathing through their mouths because they can't breathe properly through their noses. This causes their mouth and throat to become dry all the time.
• Sleep disturbances and sleep apnea: Sleep can be disrupted due to difficulty breathing during sleep . In some severe cases, it can even progress to a condition called sleep apnea, where breathing stops for a moment during sleep.
• Ear infections in children: Because there is a connection between the nose and the ear, children can often develop ear infections due to nasal congestion.

How does a doctor find this?

When you see a doctor, they will first ask you about your symptoms. Then they will examine your nose. This involves using a small instrument called a nasal speculum. This is used to gently widen your nostrils and examine the inner wall clearly. This allows you to see how much the wall is pulled in and how narrow the nasal passages are.

Sometimes, if a more in-depth examination of the nose is needed, your doctor may refer you to tests such as:

• Nasal Endoscopy: A very thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is passed into the nose to examine the entire nasal cavity and walls.
• CT scan: Obtaining clear cross-sectional images of the nose and surrounding cavities to study the internal structures in detail.

What are the treatments for this?

First of all, most people don't need any treatment for this because they don't have any major symptoms. But if the symptoms are interfering with your daily life, there are treatments for it.

Control with medication

For those whose symptoms are mild and only occur occasionally , medications can provide relief. These are especially useful when the nasal congestion is getting worse, such as when you have a cold.

• Types of antihistamines:Controls nasal congestion and runny nose caused by allergies.
• Nasal steroid sprays: Reduce swelling inside the nose and make breathing easier.
• Nasal decongestants: These come in spray or pill form. While they may provide quick relief, nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days at a time. Doing so can cause rebound congestion when you stop taking the medication.

Can surgery completely cure it?

Yes. The only permanent solution is to straighten the deviated septum. We call this surgery Septoplasty . If you have severe breathing problems or sleep disturbances that cannot be controlled with medication, your doctor may recommend this surgery.

This surgery involves making a small incision inside the nose and removing or realigning the wall by removing the damaged cartilage and bone.

If a child needs this surgery, doctors usually wait until the child's nose has fully developed, which is around 15-16 years of age.

When should you see a doctor?

If your symptoms are causing you difficulty breathing, disrupting your sleep, or affecting your daily activities, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.

If you suspect that you have broken your nose due to an accident, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

Some common questions you may also be wondering about

Can't you make this bed by tightening your nose?

No. Do not, for any reason, try to fix this bed by pressing your nose. This will only cause further damage. If your nose is damaged due to an accident, as mentioned earlier, go to the ETU immediately.

Can this condition worsen with age?

Yes, it can happen. As we age, changes occur in parts of our body, such as cartilage. So, a bed that was small when we were younger may become a little larger as we get older.