How do you recognize a deviated nasal septum yourself?

In order to recognize a nasal septum curvature yourself, you should first look at your nose in the mirror and see whether a nose tilt is already visible from the outside. To further determine this, you can bend your head backwards and pull the tip of your nose slightly upwards to be able to look into your nose better in front of the mirror. Here, attention should always be paid to a lateral equality, since any irregularity in the size of the nostrils and visible continuity are indications of a curvature. In addition to the optical observation, the nasal breathing should be tested by simply holding one nostril for a few seconds and comparing the nasal breathing directly. It is also important to observe the subjectively perceived symptoms in order, for example, to be able to rule out an allergy as a trigger for disturbed nasal breathing.

Therapy

If the above-mentioned complaints occur, the ear, nose and throat specialist advises correction of the nasal septum (nasal septoplasty, septum resection). In this procedure, the disturbing, curved parts of the nasal septum (septal cartilage and septum bone) are removed and re-inserted in a straightened position. Depending on the severity of the nasal septum curvature, this is performed on an outpatient basis or in a clinic with a few days of inpatient treatment.

If the ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) has to relocate bone tissue in addition to cartilage tissue, an inpatient admission is usually necessary. Nasal sprays are often used to treat disturbed nasal breathing, as is the case with a deviated septum.The improved nasal breathing is caused by the fact that the active ingredient in the nasal spray makes the vessels in the mucous membrane narrow, thus causing them to swell less due to reduced blood circulation. This also explains, however, that the nasal spray only has a symptomatic effect and does not eliminate the cause.

Therefore, it should only be used as a bridging measure (i.e. for a maximum of 10-14 days with application according to the package insert) and in cases of severe symptoms. Because the risk of becoming dependent on nasal spray is and remains a problem. The greatest danger besides the physical and psychological dependence by habituation effects is the irreversible destruction of the nasal mucosa.

The mechanism behind this is that excessively applied nasal spray first leads to drying out of the mucous membrane due to the reduced blood circulation, this promotes small tears and this in turn leads to the development of inflammatory processes. In the worst case this leads to the destruction of tissue, which is then perceived as an unpleasant odor and is then referred to as the clinical picture of the so-called “stinky nose“. Nasal spray should therefore always be used in moderation and attention should be paid to early symptoms of excessive use, such as painfully dried mucous membranes or frequent nosebleeds.

The use of homeopathic remedies such as a nasal rinse or seawater-based nasal spray should also be considered as an alternative for prolonged use. Nasal septum deviation, i.e. a deviation of the nasal septum to the side, is present in almost 80% of people in a more or less pronounced form. In most cases, however, this deformation remains symptom-free.

However, if symptoms do occur, such as: then correction of the nasal septum deformation is necessary.

Impaired nasal breathing
Chronic infections (sinusitis, tonsillitis or pharyngitis)
Sleep disorders (usually associated with snoring)
Nosebleed (nosebleed with headache)
Headaches

This correction is made operatively. The prerequisite for surgery on the nasal septum to be performed is that the patient’s growth has already been completed, otherwise there is a high risk that the nasal septum will shift again over time.

There are no upper age limits, since the limitation caused by a symptomatic nasal septum curvature is considered very significant at any age. However, one should know that the risk of complications due to the procedure is increased if other diseases such as: Smokers and occasional drinkers also have a higher risk of thrombosis. In principle, the correction of a nasal septum curvature can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

However, most patients choose general anesthesia in order not to hear the sounds and not to consciously witness the operation. The disadvantage of general anesthesia, however, is that it always requires an inpatient stay of at least 1 to 2 days. Otherwise, the operation can also be performed on an outpatient basis, whereby nursing care at home for at least 2 to 4 days is recommended.

Depending on the extent of the displacement of the nasal septum, the procedure takes about 30 to 120 minutes. A distinction is made: However, they can also be used in combination. Surgical access is usually through the nostrils, more rarely through the mouth. The procedure is performed in the following steps: Other complications that can occur after the surgery are

Diabetes mellitus
Overweight
A septoplasty (here the straight course of the nasal septum is restored)
A septal resection (here, depending on the individual case, more or less large parts of the nasal septum must be removed)
Infections (to avoid them, antibiotics should be taken for about one week)
Swellings, which can be partially bloodshot
Numbness of the nose region
Tears of the eyes
Persistent obstruction of nasal breathing
The nasal cartilage is separated from the bone.
Afterwards, the curved parts of the nasal septum are either removed or, if possible, straightened.
In some cases, an additional correction of the nasal conchae or a displacement of bone tissue is necessary.
Finally, the nasal septum is reassembled.
Special tamponades are inserted into the patient’s nostrils.These contain small tracheal tubes in their interior, which enable the patient to breathe effectively through the nose again immediately after the operation. The tamponades serve to intercept any minimal postoperative bleeding that may occur.