Septal deviation is a condition when the thin wall that lines the two nostrils is not in the middle. This condition can cause problems, such as difficulty breathing through the nose. However, often these symptoms go unnoticed.
The nasal wall (septum) is made up of cartilage and bone. In people who have a deviated septum, the cartilaginous part of the septum is bent or tilted. In addition, the nostrils can also look not as large. At first glance, septal deviation does not seem bothersome. However, there are a number of distractions it may cause.
Causes and Symptoms of Septal Deviation
Some people have had a deviated septum since birth. This can occur due to abnormalities in the development of the fetus while in the womb. In addition, septal deviation can also occur due to accidents or injuries to the nose.
Uniquely, not everyone is aware that he has experienced this. However, people with a deviated septum will usually experience some symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms of a deviated septum that you need to recognize:
1. Always sleep on one side
The condition of a narrow nostril on one side can make you tend to choose to sleep facing on a certain side. Generally this is done so that you can breathe more freely while sleeping by using wider nostrils.
2. Make noise while sleeping
Septal deviation can cause sufferers to make sounds when sleeping, such as snoring. This condition is not only experienced in adults with septal deviation, but also infants and children.
3. Stuffy nose
Patients with deviated septum often complain of nasal congestion. These blocked nostrils can be one or both. This can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, especially when you have a cold or rhinitis.
4. Nosebleeds
In patients with a deviated septum, the nose will be prone to dryness, which can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
5. Pain in the face
Severe nasal septal deviation can cause pressure on the inner nasal wall. This may cause a headache or facial pain that occurs on one side.
Septal Deviation Treatment
Most cases of septal deviation do not require treatment. However, if it causes symptoms, there are 2 types of treatment that can be done, namely through drugs or surgery.
Drugs
Doctors can prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms of a deviated septum. Some types of drugs that doctors prescribe are:
- Decongestants, to help reduce swelling
- Antihistamines, to reduce allergic reactions
- Corticosteroid nasal spray, to reduce swelling and runny nose
Operation
If the symptoms due to a deviated septum do not improve, surgery may be considered septoplasty. This surgery is done to strengthen the nasal bones and improve the flow of air that enters. In certain cases, repair of deviated septum can also be done together with changing the shape of the nose or rhinoplasty.
Septal deviation often goes unnoticed. If anything, the symptoms experienced usually do not make a person consult a doctor. However, a deviated septum that has occurred over a long period of time can cause disturbing symptoms and even complications, such as sleep disturbances.
Therefore, if you experience symptoms that point to a deviated septum, especially if it is only felt after an injury to the nose, immediately consult a doctor for your condition to get the right examination and treatment.