Health Hazards From A Deviated Nasal Septum
Only a few have straight noses, less that 20% of the human race, that is.
That is one out of five.
So most probably, even though your nose looks nice and straight, you're one of those with a deviated nasal septum.
Slightly deviated septum doesn't reflect in the outside.
It also doesn't have any untoward effects on the person.
But in severe cases, it poses health hazards that a septoplasty surgery is necessary to correct the deviated nasal septum.
Here are some of the most common health hazards due to a deviated nasal septum: • Sinus Infections - The link between a deviated septum and sinus infections has long been established.
The deviation of the septum, or the wall that divides the nostrils, causes blockages in the nasal airways.
This hinders the normal drainage of fluids coming from the sinuses.
Build-up of fluids will create pressure in the sinus cavities, resulting to infections.
Some of the symptoms of sinusitis are headache, fever, and pain in the sinus areas, discolored nasal drainage and stuffiness.
• Headaches - Severe cases of nasal septum deviation often results to chronic headaches.
This is due to the pressure that is pressing on one side of the nose while stretching the other.
Headaches have detrimental effects to the persons' performance and quality of life.
• Snoring - This is mainly due to the restricted flow of air through the nasal airways will cause noise in breathing which turns to snoring when asleep.
This may not directly affect the snorer, but it could pose a distraction to bed partners, and ultimately, relationships.
• Sleep Apnea - Other symptoms of sleep apnea like breath gaps and pauses, frequent awakenings and distracted sleep and sweating could be attributed to a deviated nasal septum.
Sleep apnea's effects to the patient include depression, excessive daytime sleepiness and poor productivity and performance.
• Nosebleeds - The unnatural flow of air and fluids in your nasal area may leave some part dry, resulting to irritation and ultimately, nosebleeds.
• Nasal Congestion - This could affect one or both nostrils, depending on the misalignment of the septum.
One case of nasal deviation might leave one side of the nose wide open and narrow on the other side.
Another case of deviation could obstruct both airway passages.
A deviated nasal septum can be easily corrected with a septoplasty surgery.
This doesn't change the outside appearance of the nose and is only recommended to people who are experiencing life affecting symptoms.
The operation works in aligning or straightening the crooked septum and removing blockages if there's any.
The operation could last about an hour and though this is an out-patient operation, the patient usually under general anesthesia.
Recovery period ranges from two weeks to a month.
Though success operational rate is high, septal surgery results varies and it all depends on the severity of the deviation and the post-operational care of the wounds.
Special care should be observed not to put any pressure on the nose like blowing, sneezing and even bowel movement exertions.
Infections should be avoided by taking all the necessary antibiotics and avoiding unnecessary touching.
Only the doctors should remove the initial packing.
The operation could also be painful in its recovery period, but righting your deviated nasal septum will not only mean breathing easier, it makes living easier.
That is one out of five.
So most probably, even though your nose looks nice and straight, you're one of those with a deviated nasal septum.
Slightly deviated septum doesn't reflect in the outside.
It also doesn't have any untoward effects on the person.
But in severe cases, it poses health hazards that a septoplasty surgery is necessary to correct the deviated nasal septum.
Here are some of the most common health hazards due to a deviated nasal septum: • Sinus Infections - The link between a deviated septum and sinus infections has long been established.
The deviation of the septum, or the wall that divides the nostrils, causes blockages in the nasal airways.
This hinders the normal drainage of fluids coming from the sinuses.
Build-up of fluids will create pressure in the sinus cavities, resulting to infections.
Some of the symptoms of sinusitis are headache, fever, and pain in the sinus areas, discolored nasal drainage and stuffiness.
• Headaches - Severe cases of nasal septum deviation often results to chronic headaches.
This is due to the pressure that is pressing on one side of the nose while stretching the other.
Headaches have detrimental effects to the persons' performance and quality of life.
• Snoring - This is mainly due to the restricted flow of air through the nasal airways will cause noise in breathing which turns to snoring when asleep.
This may not directly affect the snorer, but it could pose a distraction to bed partners, and ultimately, relationships.
• Sleep Apnea - Other symptoms of sleep apnea like breath gaps and pauses, frequent awakenings and distracted sleep and sweating could be attributed to a deviated nasal septum.
Sleep apnea's effects to the patient include depression, excessive daytime sleepiness and poor productivity and performance.
• Nosebleeds - The unnatural flow of air and fluids in your nasal area may leave some part dry, resulting to irritation and ultimately, nosebleeds.
• Nasal Congestion - This could affect one or both nostrils, depending on the misalignment of the septum.
One case of nasal deviation might leave one side of the nose wide open and narrow on the other side.
Another case of deviation could obstruct both airway passages.
A deviated nasal septum can be easily corrected with a septoplasty surgery.
This doesn't change the outside appearance of the nose and is only recommended to people who are experiencing life affecting symptoms.
The operation works in aligning or straightening the crooked septum and removing blockages if there's any.
The operation could last about an hour and though this is an out-patient operation, the patient usually under general anesthesia.
Recovery period ranges from two weeks to a month.
Though success operational rate is high, septal surgery results varies and it all depends on the severity of the deviation and the post-operational care of the wounds.
Special care should be observed not to put any pressure on the nose like blowing, sneezing and even bowel movement exertions.
Infections should be avoided by taking all the necessary antibiotics and avoiding unnecessary touching.
Only the doctors should remove the initial packing.
The operation could also be painful in its recovery period, but righting your deviated nasal septum will not only mean breathing easier, it makes living easier.