You Ask , They Answer
Q
: What ’ s a deviated nasal septum and what can lead to it ?
A
: The nasal septum is a structure in the nasal cavity dividing the left and right sides . It is primarily made up of hyaline cartilage and bone and covered by nasal mucosa . The nasal septum is deemed deviated if it is not straight , with curvature to either side or spurs which protrude from it . This results in narrowing of the airway passages on either side of the nasal cavity and can impede airflow through the nasal cavity .
Trauma can lead to a deviated nasal septum , usually resulting from an impact to the nose . It can also be developmental in nature , occurring as one grows from infancy to adulthood . Microfractures sustained during the birth process and in infancy can cause weakness of the nasal septal cartilage on either side , resulting in curvature and an irregular surface of the septum as the person grows .
Q
: Can it create health risks , especially among those who have had it for several years ?
A
: Most people with mild deviated nasal septum do not experience any symptoms . However , those with more severe deviated nasal septum may be at risk or experience the following :
• Frequent nose bleeds
• Recurrent episodes of sinusitis
• Worsened severity of snoring and / or obstructive sleep apnoea
Q
: Should a deviated nasal septum always be treated ? And is surgery the only option ?
A
: The short answer is “ no ”; a deviated nasal septum need not always be treated . As many as one-third to 80 percent of the population may have a nasal septum that is deviated
to a certain degree . Treatment should be initiated in patients who exhibit symptoms resulting from a deviated nasal septum such as persistent and recurrent nasal obstruction or any of the symptoms mentioned earlier .
If the severity of the septal deviation is mild , the patient may respond well to medical therapy such as with the use of intranasal steroid sprays or nasal decongestants . Surgical intervention can be considered should the patient fail to improve with medical therapy or if he would like a permanent solution without having to rely on medications in the long term .
Q
: What does surgery involve , what are the risks , and how long does it take to recover ?
A
: Surgical treatment for deviated nasal septum is called
“ septoplasty ” and involves correcting the curvature or irregular protrusions , such as spurs in the nasal septum . The procedure is usually done under general anaesthesia , and a plastic splint is usually placed to hold the corrected septum in position post-operatively .
The risks of septoplasty are bleeding , infection , perforation , and weakening of the external nose support causing a “ saddlenose ” deformity . However , these are rarely encountered when performed by an experienced surgeon . Most patients are discharged on the day after the procedure and will be on medical leave for 1-2 weeks .
Dr Harold Heah
Dr Harold Heah is an otolaryngology ( ENT ) – head and neck surgeon at Farrer Park Hospital and was the first to utilise the Medrobotics ’ Flex ® Robotic System in Asia .
12 ISSUE 1 | 2023 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com