22 July 2019 Author : Ricardo Barroso Ribeiro The nasal septum is a structure located in the centre of the nose, separating the nasal cavities. Most nasal septum deviations are birth defects , developing with growth. Nevertheless, they can be caused by nasal traumatisms, both in childhood and adulthood. Symptoms of nasal septum deviation The major symptom of nasal septum deviation is chronic nasal obstruction . This problem, besides interfering with the quality of sleep, causes mouth dryness (from mouth breathing), respiratory difficulties in the practice of physical exercise and may facilitate the occurrence of rhinosinusitis episodes. Diagnosis of nasal septum deviation A nasal septum deviation is easily diagnosed in consultation through direct examination of the nose (anterior rhinoscopy), sometimes supported by nasal endoscopy and/or computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Treatment of nasal septum deviation Septoplasty is the surgery that corrects nasal septum deviations , which normally cause nasal obstruction. Besides interfering with the nose function, the nasal septum deviation may also contribute to aesthetic alterations of the nose, namely in the case of deviated noses. The correction of the nasal septum is also important in the resolution of other type of nasal and paranasal sinuses problems , such as in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and rhinitis . What is a septoplasty? In septoplasty, there are no incisions in the skin, an incision being made inside the nostril , not visible externally. Typically, two silicone plates of about 1 mm thick (one at each side of the nose) are placed. There is no need of nasal tamponade that is usually responsible for the complaints of patients operated to the nasal septum. Postoperative phase: what happens? The time of recovery until the patient can resume normal life is of approximately 7 days . No special care is required in terms of eating, but the patient should not practice physical activity or be exposed to heat. During the first month, nasal scabs may form, that are to be removed at home washing the nose with salted water and in the follow-up consultations. After 3 to 4 weeks, the nose is completely healed and the patient may resume his normal life without restrictions. Meet the otorhinolaringology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
