What are the causes of a deviated septum?

For some people, a deviated septum is present at birth — occurring during fetal development or due to injury during childbirth. After birth, a deviated septum is most commonly caused by an injury that moves your nasal septum out of place.

What nasal spray is best for deviated septum?

Corticosteroid Sprays Corticosteroid medications have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce swelling in the tissue that lines nasal passages and sinuses, making breathing easier even if a septum is deviated. Doctors may recommend using a steroid nasal spray once daily.

How does a deviated septum get fixed?

Surgery is the only way to fix a deviated septum. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. Septoplasty straightens the septum, allowing for better airflow through your nose.

Can a deviated septum get worse?

If you have a deviated septum, understand that it will not heal on its own and may worsen over time. Therefore, it’s essential to address this condition as soon as possible. Failure to do so may lead to complications such as dry mouth, sleep disturbances, and congestion or pressure in your nasal passages.

Is a septoplasty painful?

Conclusions: Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are associated with mostly mild pain, and postoperative opioid requirements are quite low. Surgeons can reliably reduce opioid prescription after septoplasty and rhinoplasty to as few as 11 tablets.

Does deviated septum get worse with age?

It’s actually possible to have a deviated septum and not even know it until you get older. That’s because this condition can worsen as you get older and your nasal structures change. Your nose changes just like other parts of your body. The nasal cartilage can become softer, weaker and brittle over time.

Is a deviated septum life threatening?

A deviated septum can lead to several uncomfortable complications, but it is not life threatening. In some cases, a deviated septum can make it hard to breathe but even if your nasal cavity gets completely blocked you can still breathe through your mouth. Most deviated septums can be corrected with surgery.

Can a deviated septum affect your brain?

Although rare, untreated sinus infections can spread to the brain or to the tissue surrounding the brain. If an infection spreads to the brain, you are at risk for seizures and brain damage. An untreated deviated septum can also lead to a serious condition called sleep apnea.

How long is septoplasty surgery?

The operation takes between 30 and 90 minutes. Afterward, the doctor may insert splints or soft packing to hold nasal tissue in place, prevent nosebleeds and prevent the formation of scar tissue. Usually, the splints stay in one or two weeks and packing remains in the nose between 24 and 36 hours.

What are the risks of septoplasty?

Other possible risks specific to septoplasty include:

  • Continued symptoms, such as nasal obstruction.
  • Excessive bleeding.
  • A change in the shape of your nose.
  • A hole in the septum.
  • Decreased sense of smell.
  • Clotted blood in the nasal space that has to be drained.
  • Temporary numbness in the upper gum, teeth or nose.