Defects of the nasal septum are a common pathology in children and adults and require radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not life-threatening, but is a clearly visible cosmetic defect. Correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is carried out according to strict indications.
Types and causes of septal defects
It has the following disadvantages:
- Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum extends beyond the straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, respiratory distress, sinusitis and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Curved physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (against the background of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, anterior or posterior.
- Perforation. With this pathology, a hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. It occurs as a result of rupture of pathological peri-cartilage tissue and separation of the submucosa.
- The back sinks. Occurs against the background of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by straightening of bone tissue and shortening of the waist.
The most common causes of runny nose septum:
- Injuries (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karate fighters, wrestlers, mixed martial arts) are more susceptible to injuries. The defect develops with a strong impact, against the background of which the osteochondral plate is displaced. Deformation often occurs when there is improper adhesion after fracture.
- Abnormal growth of skull bones. The large size of the nasal cavity promotes septal flexion. This is a compensatory response.
- Rare anomalies (strong development of Jacobson rudiment). Restricts space for septum growth and development.
- Chronic unilateral rhinitis. On the one hand, nasal congestion can cause curvature.
- Tumors.
- Abscesses.
- Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the sinuses.
- Complex heredity (curvature of the nose in parents).
- Polyps.
External manifestations and internal symptoms
If a person has a crooked nasal septum, the following symptoms are possible:
- Disorders of nasal breathing. It can be light or heavy only to the point where a person breathes through the mouth. The absence of this symptom does not preclude the presence of a defect.
- Chronic rhinitis. Occurs as a result of poor ventilation and microbial growth.
- Frequent allergic reactions.
- Traffic jam.
- Swelling of the mucous membrane.
- Headache. Complications in the form of obstruction, sinusitis (sinusitis), occur against the background of increased pressure on the mucous membrane and irritation of the receptors.
- Frequent episodes of ARVI. Manifested by coughing, sneezing, fever.
- Dry mucous membranes.
- Bleeding from the nose.
- Sleep apnea. Respiratory attacks during sleep.
- Snoring.
- Sleep disorders.
- Asthenic manifestations in the form of reduced performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is lack of oxygen.
- Changes in the shape of the nose (deviation, lumbar depression).
- Deterioration of attention and memory.
Less common are cough, sweating, decreased odor, tinnitus, dryness, nasal congestion, and changes in facial expressions (open mouth, change in bite).
Diagnosis of the severity of the defect
The following studies allow us to determine the defect and its severity:
- Computed tomography (detects thorns, debris and related diseases).
- MRI. Performed if a neoplasm is suspected.
- Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
- Endoscopy. A chamber tube is used.
- Rhinometry (change in airflow and degree of congestion).
- Visual inspection.
In addition, tests (allergy tests, bacteriological examination of smears, clinical blood test) and a study are performed.
Treatment methods
Removal of the defect is possible only with surgery. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.
Which doctors to contact
If you have symptoms of a septal defect, you should see an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist). You may need to consult a surgeon.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment is aimed at eliminating edema and symptoms (runny nose, congestion). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictor sprays and drops can be used. Laser therapy is often performed.
Surgical intervention (septoplasty)
Septoplasty is the surgical repair of the nasal septum. It is often performed endoscopically without incision using a monitor and a camera. Benefits include:
- rapid rehabilitation;
- efficiency;
- simplicity;
- minimal blood loss and trauma;
- antiseptic effect (when using a laser).
Less commonly, resection or septochondroprotection is used. Before septoplasty, the degree of difficulty in nasal breathing and the patient's age are taken into account.
Tips for surgery
Tips for nose surgery:
- difficulty breathing;
- presence of chronic rhinitis;
- ear infection;
- severe headaches;
- declared cosmetic defect;
- sinusitis;
- snoring;
- regular nosebleeds.
Contraindications to surgery
Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:
- elderly patients,
- with hemophilia (blood clotting disorder),
- severe heart disease,
- mental disorders
- diabetes,
- cancer,
- severe forms of infection,
- arterial hypertension,
- during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
- during pregnancy,
- breastfeed the baby.
Prepared for septoplasty
Nasal correction is performed after tests (for HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation with specialists (therapist, ENT doctor, anesthesiologist), premedication and anesthesia.
It is recommended not to eat later than 6 pm and to clean the intestines.
It is important to sanitize the oral cavity (to treat all diseases, including sore throat, rhinitis, pharyngitis).
For women, it is recommended to restore the proper shape of the nose 2 weeks after menstruation.
Features of the postoperative period
To correct the nasal septum after surgery is required:
- wear cotton swabs on the nose for 1-2 days;
- to take antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
- observed by a doctor (a specialist should rinse the nose, clean it from the bark and blood).
Prohibitions during rehabilitation
Recommended after rhinoplasty:
- avoid high loads;
- refrain from visiting baths and saunas;
- do not pick your nose;
- Do not overcool;
- exclude pressure and temperature drops (reject flights, climb, swim).
Effectiveness of surgical intervention
Pictures of people before and after the operation differ sharply.
Elimination of the defect eliminates the cosmetic defect and all the symptoms, makes it easier to breathe.
The efficiency reaches 95-100%.
Complications after repair of the nasal septum
Correction of the nasal septum at the current stage of development of medicine, the operation is simple. However, there may be postoperative complications.
The consequences of surgery can be adhesions, tissue fusion, hematoma or abscess formation, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plate, decreased sense of smell, perforation, blurred vision, and nerve damage.