How Can Deviated Septum Surgery Help You

Septoplasty or the deviated septum surgery is performed to align the septum or the dividing wall between the nasal airways or the nostrils. It is quite common for people to have a slightly deviated or off-centred septum; a straight or aquiline nose after all is considered a beauty advantage. But not everyone is required to undergo the procedure. If your nose is not bothering you, then you better left it as is. A severely deviated nasal septum however can cause several health problems. This is when you’ll need to have a deviated septum surgery.

You will know if you have a severe case of nasal septum deviation if you are experiencing some of the following deviated septum symptoms;

1. Sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis and other sinus infections.
2. Loud Snoring. Incessant and loud, people with a deviated septum snore.
3. Pain. Chronic facial pain and headaches rising from your nose.
4. Nasal Congestion. Congested nose and sneezing.
5. Nose Bleeding. This is one of the most critical deviated septum symptoms. If experienced with some of the other symptoms, see a doctor immediately for consultation regarding treatment, and maybe a deviated septum surgery.
6. Sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder could include difficulty in breathing, breathing gaps and pauses and restless sleep. This is due to the obstruction in the nasal airway as the septum deviation creates a blockage or effectively reduces at least one side of the nostrils.

There are several causes of having a deviated nasal septum. A lot of people are born with a slightly and often unnoticeable crooked nose. Severe cases are usually a result of a heavy blow to the face causing impact trauma. This could be a consequence from a fall, accidental bumping or a direct hit. And some cases are results of congenital disorders. Septum deviation has also been associated with the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Marfan syndrome and other disorders of genetic connective tissues.

The septoplasty or the deviated septum surgery is an outpatient operation. Duration of the procedure is about an hour and patients are usually allowed to go home after a few hours of observation. Anaesthetics could be local or general. The doctor will cut through the nostrils and work to align the bone cartilage. This will be stabilized with splints and sutures. Excess tissues that create blocking will also be removed. The doctor will also be packing your nose. The patient will then be allowed to rest and wear off the anaesthesia.

The recovery period after the deviated septum surgery is a very important phase to determine the success of the operation. Some patients recover in a week’s time while others take a month to heal. In some rare cases, the inflammation takes three to four months to completely subside.

The first week is the most delicate stage as the nose is still very sensitive. All precautions should be observed in order to avoid infection. Take all prescribed medications and refrain from any exertions. Let your wound rest. It is also during this period that the patient will have to endure pain and discomfort. Thus, it is highly recommended that you get a personal assistant and to avoid visitors.