What is Nasal Bone Curvature (Septum Deviation)?
The septum – in which the anterior part is made of cartilage and the posterior part made of bone – can be defined as a wall that separates the nostrils and nasal passages from each other. The septum simply divides your nose into two parts. Dislocation of this wall to either side causes curvature of the nasal bone. This deviation is also defined as “Nasal Bone Curvature (Septum Deviation)”.
If all or some parts of the septum are noticeably curved, respiratory problems and breathing issues may occur. Nasal bone curvature is considered a deformity when it causes respiratory distress. The greater the curvature of the nasal bone, the greater the nasal congestion seen in the patient.
On each side of the nose, there are three fleshy pieces called “Conchas”. Patients suffering from nasal bone curvature may have enlarged and swollen Concha, which were worsened by the curvature itself.
What Causes Nose Curvature?
The curvature of the nasal bone may be inherent genetically or may occur due to trauma while the baby passes through the birth canal during labor. Similarly, accidents such as falling, external injury, and impacts during childhood can cause nasal bone curvature. The nasal septum may also not develop normally during the childhood growth phase. Deformities and deviations in the shape of the nose can also evolve during the transition to adulthood.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
The most common symptom in patients with nasal bone curvature is difficulty in breathing caused by congestion in the nasal passages. Other symptoms can be listed as follows;
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Frequent recurring sinusitis
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Nasal discharge
- Loud breathing in infants and children
- Respiratory tract infection
What Damages may happen because of Nasal Bone Curvature?
Although many damages reduce the quality of life of nasal bone curvature, the damages seen in patients complaining of nasal bone curvature can be listed as follows;
- Snoring may occur due to the curvature of the nose,
- Apnea,
- Eustachian tube obstruction
- Fluid accumulation in the ear,
- Pharyngitis. Since the person has nasal congestion, he/she starts to breathe through the mouth continuously.
- Headaches.
- Recurrent nosebleeds and sinusitis attacks
- Nasal discharges
- Due to the curvature of the nasal cartilage, the passage of oxygen through the nose decreases, so the air drawn in from the mouth can cause problems to the lungs and upper respiratory tract.
How can Nose Curvature be diagnosed?
If there is a curvature in the nasal bone, the preferred diagnostic method is an endoscopic examination. Nasal breathing is then diagnosed objectively with the help of rhinomanometry measurements. Acoustic rhinometry method is preferred to diagnose stenosis of the nasal canal. Apart from these diagnostic methods, in case of health issues such as allergy, sinusitis, and turbinate swelling, some tests can be conducted like: tomography, film, and lab reports.
Nose Bone Curvature Surgery
Nasal bone surgery is performed as follows:
- Nasal bone surgery is performed using general or local anesthesia methods.
- During the surgery, the curvature of the nose is straightened and other health issues are treated by removing the curved tissues in the bone and cartilage.
- Nasal bone surgery is performed approximately within 30 to 45 minutes.
- In septoplasty, the incision is made through the nose and the bones obstructing the nasal air passage are removed.
- If the cartilage curves can be corrected at this stage, the necessary fix is made and the cartilage curve is straightened out.
After Septoplasty
After nasal curvature surgery, the airway in the nose is reopened again. Generally, nasal packing is used after surgery. The bumpers used should also be air ducted and silicone; the reason for it being silicone is that they are easily removed.
These airpacks, which aid breathing, help the patient go through the post-operative recovery phase much more comfortably. Patients can return to their normal lives 3 days after nasal curvature surgery.
The airpacks placed in the nose are removed seven days after the operation. There will be no scars on the nose of the patient after the operation. After the curvature of the nose is straightened out, there won’t be any incision or shape changes in the external structure of the nose. There will not be any swelling or bruising too.
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