Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) Symptoms & Treatment

What is Deviated Nasal Septum?

DNS (Deviated nasal septum) is defined as the deviation of nasal septum from normal/center of the nasal cavity. The nasal septum consist of bone and cartilage which divides the nasal cavity into two equal halves. The deviation of nasal septum makes breathing difficult for a person because one of their nostrils is smaller than the other. DNS may be present either from birth or develop during growth, or may be caused by an injury to the nose/face. Conditions such as common cold, blockage of the respiratory tract, etc. might be seen in the patient.

This condition is also responsible for inflammation of sinus, and many patients might experience repeated nosebleeds or post nasal drips. About 80% of people have off centred nasal septum and it might not be a problem.

Symptoms

Almost 80% of people are born with some or the other deviation. Most of these deformities may not create any symptoms or come to notice. However, DNS may cause the following symptoms:

Nose obstruction.
Nose bleeding.
Snoring.
Preference for sleeping on a particular side.
Facial Pain, Postnasal drip, and headache.
Sleep Apnea.

Causes

Deviated Nasal Septum is mostly due to a trauma or an accident affecting face and nose. Some of the most probable causes include:

Congenital nature of the disease.
Aging process.
Minute changes in swelling of nasal tissues.

Risks

The main risk factors may include:

Driving without wearing seat belts.
Playing sports without protection to the face or nose.
Dry Mouth.
Congestion of nasal passage creating pressure inside the nose.
Disturbed sleep or sleep apnea.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, one should take care of:

Avoiding injury.
Use of protective equipment.
Wearing a helmet or seat belts.

How is it diagnosed?

On the first visit, our doctor may ask you about the symptoms you are facing. At Medanta, our doctor might use the following technologies to detect the presence of this disease:
...

Physical Examination
Endoscopy

How is it treated?

At Medanta, the conditions and symptoms can be treated with help of decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays.

Medications
Decongestants are medicines prescribed to give relief from congestion due to the narrowing of nasal septum or swelling in nasal cavity. These are available in form of pills or nasal sprays. However, continuous and prolonged use is not recommended as it may create dependency.
Antihistamines helps to prevent allergy, since it controls the production of histamine hormone. Some medicines may create a drowsy feeling, and affect your ability to perform any activity.
Nasal Steroid Sprays
Reduces inflammation in nasal passage and aids in drainage of nasal cavity. But, should only be consumed under medical advice.
Surgical Repair
In some cases surgery is performed to raise the nose (changing the shape of the bone and cartilage). It is called rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty involves repositioning the nasal septum in the center with surgical procedures.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately see a doctor when you face problems while breathing, sleeping (Sleep Apnea), or chronic sinus problems. These symptoms will be treated all thoroughly by our medical and clinical experts at Medanta.

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