Deviated Septums
Deviated The nasal septum is a thin wall that distinctly separates the left and right nostrils, creating two separate nasal passages. Ideally, the septum should be centrally aligned, facilitating an equal distribution of airflow on either side of the nose. However, for many people, this isn’t the case. Approximately 80% of people have some form of deviation in their nasal septum. This condition is known as a deviated septum.
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum leans or is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This displacement can lead to several complications, including difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, recurring sinus infections, facial pain, noisy breathing during sleep, and in severe cases, loss of the sense of smell.
The symptoms of a septum are often more pronounced when an individual has a cold or allergies because these conditions can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. A person with a septum may also experience recurring sinus infections due to disrupted sinus drainage leading to mucus buildup and consequent sinusitis.
Causes of Deviated Septums
A deviated septum can be present at birth (congenital) or develop after an injury to the nose. Some people are born with a septum because their nasal septum didn’t straighten out while they were still in the womb. Other people develop a deviated septum after an injury or trauma to their nose. Trauma can cause the nasal septum to move out of position.
In rare cases, certain medical conditions or growths in the nose (such as a tumor) can also lead to a deviated septum. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with a deviated septum.
Progression of Deviated Septums with Age
While some experts argue that a deviated septum does not worsen with age because it’s primarily a structural issue, others suggest that aging can exacerbate symptoms associated with this condition.
The physical deviation itself may not worsen over time; however, age-related changes in our bodies can influence how we experience a septum. For example, as we get older, changes in our body’s cartilage structure can lead to narrowing of the nasal passages, potentially making an existing deviated septum seem worse.
Moreover, other age-related health conditions such as allergies or chronic sinusitis can further aggravate symptoms of a septum. These conditions often cause inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages, making them narrower and more susceptible to obstruction.
Despite these factors, it’s important to note that not everyone will experience worsening symptoms with age. The progression and severity of symptoms largely depend on individual health factors and lifestyle choices.
Managing Symptoms of Deviated Septums
Managing symptoms associated with a deviated septum often begins by addressing any underlying conditions that may be exacerbating the problem. If allergies are causing additional nasal inflammation and congestion, for instance, antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle modifications also play an essential role in managing the symptoms of a deviated septum. These changes include maintaining good hydration—which helps keep your nasal tissues moist—using a humidifier at home or work (especially during dry months), avoiding known irritants such as smoke or allergens that could worsen your symptoms, and practicing good sleep hygiene.
In cases where conservative measures are not enough to alleviate symptoms or improve quality of life, surgical intervention may be considered. Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum. This operation involves straightening and repositioning the nasal septum into the middle of your nose which may involve cutting and removing parts of your septum before reinserting them in the correct position.