The nasal septum is a plate that divides the nasal cavity into two parts. On both sides, it is covered with a mucous membrane. Due to injuries, uneven growth of the bones of the skull, and previous illnesses, the septum can change its shape. A curvature of the nasal septum often leads to respiratory failure. Because of this, you may experience snoring during sleep. Even worse, the defect can lead to allergic reactions and inflammatory conditions of the respiratory organs. If you have deviated septum in New York, you can get treated after a thorough examination. Here is what you need to know before seeking treatment for a deviated septum.
What happens when the nasal septum is deformed?
Normally, humans experience nasal resistance where the intranasal structures resist the air stream passing via the nose. This resistance can occur every six hours, leading to alternation of breathing between your right and left half of the nose. At the same time, due to the symmetrical location of the nasal septum, the air is distributed evenly between these two halves. Typically, you may not notice this cycle under normal conditions.
If the septum is curved, nasal resistance builds up in the narrower half. In this case, the wide half of the nose is overloaded because it is through it that the bulk of the air begins to pass. This can lead to the development of chronic rhinitis, which causes the proliferation of the mucous membrane.
Causes of a deviated septum
The major cause of deviated septum is the uneven development of the skull. It can also occur due to the enlargement of one nasal concha or when you suffer a nose injury. As well, constant congestion in one of the halves of your nose leads to breathing through only one nostril.
Symptoms of the curvature of the nasal septum
Even if the septum is curved, you may not experience discomfort. However, you may experience discomfort when turbinates’ or nasal concha enlarges on the side opposite the curvature, making it difficult to breathe. Moreover, you may not even know you have this condition.
Symptoms of nasal septum curvature include difficulty breathing, chronic rhinitis, snoring, and nose bleeding. It may also manifest as a cosmetic defect altering the shape of your nose.
Seeking treatment
It is vital to seek treatment when you experience the symptoms of a deviated septum.
Your doctor will conduct several tests, which may include an x-ray, before recommending appropriate treatment. There are two methods to treat the nasal septum, and each depends on the stage of the illness.
For a slight curvature, your doctor may apply non-surgical options, including drugs and physiotherapy.
In the advanced stage, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the curvature of the nasal septum. The operation lasts slightly under 60 minutes. It is a major surgery conducted under general anesthesia.
Early treatment and surgery can prevent chronic illness, which may be challenging to treat. For treatment of deviated septum, contact the team at Matthew W. Shawl, MD.
