Why does the nasal septum deviate?
A deviated septum is a common nasal condition in which the septum (the cartilage and bony structure that separates the nasal cavity) bends to one or both sides, causing the nasal cavity to become asymmetrical. This problem may cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and nosebleeds, and even affect breathing and sleep quality. So, why does the nasal septum deviate? This article will give you a detailed analysis from four aspects: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
1. Causes of deviated nasal septum
There are many causes of nasal septum deviation, mainly including congenital and acquired factors. Here is a breakdown of common causes:
| Reason type | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| congenital factors | Abnormal growth of the nasal septum during fetal development may result in a deviated nasal septum at birth. |
| traumatic factors | The nose is impacted by external forces (such as sports injuries, traffic accidents, etc.), causing the nasal septum to deform. |
| developmental factors | During adolescence, the growth rate of the nasal septum cartilage and bony structures does not match, which may cause deviation. |
| other factors | Long-term nasal inflammation, tumor compression, etc. may also cause nasal septum deviation. |
2. Symptoms of deviated nasal septum
The symptoms of a deviated nasal septum vary from person to person. Mild deviations may cause no obvious discomfort, while severe deviations may cause the following problems:
| Symptoms | performance |
|---|---|
| nasal congestion | Unilateral or bilateral nasal ventilation is poor, especially at night. |
| Nosebleeds | The mucous membrane at the deflection site is thin and easily irritated, leading to bleeding. |
| headache | Caused by nasal obstruction causing hypoxia or poor sinus drainage. |
| sleep disorders | Poor breathing leads to snoring or sleep apnea. |
| recurrent sinusitis | Deviation affects sinus drainage and can easily lead to infection. |
3. Diagnosis of nasal septum deviation
If you suspect you have a deviated septum, you should seek medical attention promptly. Doctors usually go through the following steps to make a diagnosis:
1.Medical history inquiry: Understand whether there is a history of nasal trauma or symptoms such as long-term nasal congestion.
2.Physical examination: Use a rhinoscope to check the structure of the nasal cavity and observe whether the nasal septum is deviated.
3.Imaging examination: Such as CT scan, which can clearly show the shape and degree of deviation of the nasal septum.
4. Treatment of deviated nasal septum
Treatment for nasal septum deviation needs to be determined based on the degree of deviation and symptoms, and mainly includes the following two methods:
| Treatment | Applicable situations | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative treatment | Mild deviation or no obvious symptoms | Use nasal spray hormones, decongestants, etc. to relieve symptoms. |
| surgical treatment | Severe deviation or symptoms seriously affecting life | The structure of the nasal cavity is restored through septal correction surgery (septoplasty). |
5. How to prevent nasal septum deviation?
Although congenital septal deviation is difficult to prevent, the risk of acquired septal deviation can be reduced by:
1.Avoid nasal trauma: Pay attention to protecting your nose during sports or daily activities.
2.Treat nasal inflammation promptly: Such as rhinitis, sinusitis, etc., to reduce long-term irritation to the nasal septum.
3.Regular physical examination: Especially when there is nasal discomfort, early detection and early intervention are required.
Summary
Deviated nasal septum is a common but easily overlooked nasal problem. Its causes include congenital development, trauma and other factors. If you suffer from nasal congestion, headache and other symptoms for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical examination in time. With scientific diagnosis and treatment, most deviated nasal septum problems can be effectively improved.
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