Nasal septum deviation
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Nasal septum deviation is a physical disorder of the nose, involving a displacement of the nasal septum. Some displacement is common, affecting 80% of people, mostly without their knowledge.<ref name="webmd" />
Signs and symptomsEdit
The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage in the nose that separates the nasal cavity into the two nostrils. The cartilage is called the quadrangular cartilage and the bones comprising the septum include the maxillary crest, vomer, and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid. Normally, the septum lies centrally, and thus the nasal passages are symmetrical.<ref name="aao">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A deviated septum is an abnormal condition in which the top of the cartilaginous ridge leans to the left or the right, causing obstruction of the affected nasal passage.
It is common for nasal septa to depart from the exact centerline; the septum is only considered deviated if the shift is substantial or causes problems.<ref name=metson/> By itself, a deviated septum can go undetected for years and thus be without any need for correction.<ref name=metson/>
Symptoms of a deviated septum include infections of the sinus and sleep apnea, snoring, repetitive sneezing, facial pain, nosebleeds, mouth breathing, difficulty with breathing, mild to severe loss of the ability to smell,<ref name="webmd" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and possibly headaches.<ref name="l461">Template:Cite journal</ref> Only more severe cases of a deviated septum will cause symptoms of difficulty breathing and require treatment.<ref name="webmd">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
CausesEdit
It is most frequently caused by impact trauma, such as by a blow to the face.<ref name="metson">Template:Cite book</ref> It can also be a congenital disorder, caused by compression of the nose during childbirth.<ref name=metson/> Deviated septum is associated with genetic connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, homocystinuria and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.<ref name="Child2017">Template:Cite journal</ref>
DiagnosisEdit
Nasal septum deviation is the most common cause of nasal obstruction.<ref name="Fettman2009">Template:Cite journal</ref> A history of trauma to the nose is often present including trauma from the process of birth or microfractures.<ref name="Fettman2009" /> A medical professional, such as an otorhinolaryngologist (ears, nose, and throat doctor), typically makes the diagnosis after taking a thorough history from the affected person and performing a physical examination.<ref name="Fettman2009" /> Imaging of the nose is sometimes used to aid in making the diagnosis as well.<ref name="Fettman2009" />
TreatmentEdit
Medical therapy with nasal sprays including decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal corticosteroid sprays is typically tried first before considering a surgical approach to correct nasal septum deviation.<ref name="Fettman2009" /> Medication temporarily relieves symptoms, but does not correct the underlying condition. Non-medical relief can also be obtained using nasal strips.
A minor surgical procedure known as septoplasty can cure symptoms related to septal deviations. The surgery lasts roughly one hour and does not result in any cosmetic alteration or external scars. Nasal congestion, pain,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> drainage or swelling may occur within the first few days after the surgery.<ref name="Clevelandclinic">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Recovery from the procedure may take anywhere from two days to four weeks to heal completely.Template:Citation needed Septal bones never regrow. If symptoms reappear they are not related to deviations. Reappearance of symptoms may be due to mucosal metaplasia of the nose.Template:Citation needed There are times also when the surgery also may be unsuccessful, leading to a continuation of the symptoms.
A randomised controlled trial found that people who had septoplasty had a greater improvement in their symptoms and quality of life after 6 months than people who managed their nasal airway obstruction with nasal sprays.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Complications of septoplastyEdit
- Adhesions and synechiae between septal mucosa and lateral nasal wall
- Dropped nasal tip due to resection of the caudal margin
- External nasal deformity<ref name="Fettman2009" />
- Incomplete correction with persistent nasal symptoms<ref name="Fettman2009" />
- Nasal septum perforation<ref name="Fettman2009" /> due to bilateral trauma of the mucoperichondrial flaps opposite each other.
- Saddle nose due to over-resection of the dorsal wall of the septal cartilage
- Scarring inside the nose and nose bleeding<ref name="Fettman2009" />
- Septal hematoma<ref name="Fettman2009" /> and septal abscess.
Notable examplesEdit
- Jennifer Aniston<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Ashley Tisdale<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Josh Hutcherson<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Cameron Diaz<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Ed Miliband<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>