The cartilaginous membrane that separates the nose’s right and left nostrils is called a nasal septum. A deviated nasal septum describes a condition where the nasal septum departs from the center line of the nose. While it’s natural to have a slight deviation to one side–at age 7 the septum frequently deviates to the right–trauma can cause a more extreme deviation that sometimes needs to be repaired via surgery.
Deviated Nasal Septum Causes
There are many causes of a deviated nasal septum. As mentioned above, it is quite common to have a slightly bent nose, which is a naturally occurring condition of human development. Sometimes, however, a more extreme deviation is present at birth. During fetal development, the nose becomes bent to the point where surgery is performed soon after the baby is born.
More often, though, there is an injury to the nose post-birth. It’s surprisingly easy to knock the nasal septum out of its central alignment. In infants, a fall or bump can be enough pressure to do so. In adults, there are many common accidents that result in a deviated nasal septum. Tripping or colliding with another person. Automobile accidents, contact sports like basketball or soccer. Or, speaking from a more personal experience, goofing around at two in the morning with a friend. A knee to the face succeeded quite easily in deviating my very own septum. Ouch. These are all activities that might cause a broken nose or deviated nasal septum
Also, it’s possible that normal aging can cause the cartilaginous membrane wall to weaken over time. This could aggregate a deviated septum or cause a perforated nasal septum.
Deviated Nasal Septum Symptoms and Side Effects
So, what kind of symptoms can one expect from a deviated nasal septum? Three major ones come to mind:
1. If excessive snoring isn’t something you usually do, but all of a sudden a partner or someone in your home notices that you’ve been snoring particularly loudly, you might have a deviated nasal septum. Restricted air flow in one of your nostrils could be causing this.
2. Frequent nosebleeds can also be a symptom of a deviated nasal septum.
3. Finally, if you’re getting increased sinus infections, this might also be a symptom. Sinus infections are caused when mucus becomes trapped in the nasal cavity, which happens more often in those that have deviated nasal septums. If you’re experiencing the kind of symptoms that come with sinus infections — pressure in the face and nose, green/yellow snot, etc., then consult your doctor.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you should get in touch with a doctor and schedule an examination immediately.
Deviated Nasal Septum Surgery
Sometimes, a nasal septum becomes so deviated that surgery is required to relieve symptoms. Fortunately deviated nasal septum surgery is very common and, compared to other types of surgery, is affordable. Also, septoplasty isn’t always necessary, as a broken nose can sometimes be popped back into place.
The cost of deviated nasal septum surgery–which I’ll calculate without insurance–will vary. At the high end, expect to pay upwards of $3000, but of course this number depends on geographic location, the severity of the deviation and the physician/hospital. Most of the time, septoplasty to repair a deviated septum costs between $2000 and $2500.
As mentioned above, septum surgery is a straightforward procedure. The surgery usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes and doesn’t typically involve heavy bleeding or pain. Since no incisions are made during the surgery, most patients can go home after a few hours. That said, a full recovery from deviated nasal septum surgery typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
The physician starts out with an endoscopy, taking a detailed look at your two nasal passages and the severity and shape of the deviated septum. Then, local or general anesthesia is applied and the operation begins. The doctor will peel back the mucus membrane from the nasal cavity bone or cartilage. Then, he or she will cut or remove any obtruding pieces and will literally shape the septum back to it’s straight, central position.
So, in summary, the mucus is peeled back, the bent cartilage is trimmed and centralized, and then the mucus is pulled back over. Pretty simple.
Here is a video that better explains this process:
Side Effects of Deviated Nasal Septum Surgery
While septoplasty is a simple outpatient procedure, any surgery involves some kind of side effect or post-surgery symptoms. Most patients can go home a few hours after surgery begins, but immediately following the surgery, patients should expects a dull headache and sometimes a puffy face with bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. Sometimes, red spots on the surface of the skin materialize, but most people return to 100% health in a matter of weeks.
Every once in a while, additional septoplasty is required. For example, if the nasal wall has a perforation or small hole in it, this might lead to an infection or general discomfort that only surgery can fix. If you see a small hole in the nasal wall post-surgery, get in touch with a doctor immediately.
One traditionally common symptom is bleeding. While it should not be frequent or last for a particularly long time, it is likely to happen a little bit. As part of the surgery, the surgeon will often insert a splint into the nasal cavity to help keep the nose centrally aligned but also to prevent significant bleeding. In the few weeks it takes to recover from septoplasty, don’t blow your nose! Also, it’s good to not sneeze, but if you have to, do so with your mouth open to relieve any kind of unnecessary pressure in the nose.
Any surgery that employs anesthesia can make patients feel groggy and/or disoriented when they wake up, so expect that as well!
This site has a number of images and videos that better explain what to expect from a deviated nasal septum, so feel free to browse our archives for this information. Of course, we are not medical professionals and should mention that none of the content on this website should be considered medical advice by any means. We’re just here to help in a non-professional way!