🔥 1. What is a Deviated Nasal Septum?

The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils.

• When the septum is displaced to one side, it is called a deviated nasal septum.
• This can partially or fully block one nostril, making it difficult to breathe.
• It may cause snoring, sleep disturbances, and chronic sinus issues.

✅ Common Causes of Septal Deviation:

• Congenital: Present from birth.
• Trauma or injury: From accidents, sports, or falls.
• Nasal inflammation or infection: Can worsen existing deviation.
• Aging: Gradual changes in cartilage and bone structure.

💡 2. Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum

• Nasal congestion (usually one-sided).
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
• Frequent sinus infections.
• Nasal dryness or crusting.
• Snoring or sleep apnea.
• Nosebleeds (due to dry nasal passages).
• Facial pain or pressure.
• Post-nasal drip or chronic cough.
• Reduced sense of smell (in severe cases).

🔎 3. Diagnosis of a Deviated Nasal Septum

✅ A) Medical History & Physical Examination:

• Symptoms assessment:
  • Difficulty breathing, congestion, or snoring.
• Nasal examination:
  • A speculum or otoscope is used to inspect the nasal passages.

✅ B) Nasal Endoscopy:

• A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the nostril.
• Provides a detailed view of the nasal cavity and septum.

✅ C) Imaging Tests (if needed):

• CT scan or X-ray:
  • Provides detailed images of the septum, sinuses, and nasal structures.
  • Helps assess the extent of the deviation.

🔥 4. When is Septoplasty Needed?

✅ Indications for Septoplasty:

• Chronic nasal congestion unresponsive to medication.
• Frequent sinus infections caused by poor drainage.
• Breathing difficulties (especially during sleep).
• Persistent snoring or sleep apnea.
• Recurrent nosebleeds.
• Headaches or facial pain from sinus pressure.
• Reduced quality of life due to breathing issues.

✅ Septoplasty is NOT typically done for cosmetic purposes.

• If you want to correct the external shape of your nose, you may need a rhinoplasty (nose job) combined with septoplasty.
• This combined procedure is called a septorhinoplasty.

💡 5. Preparing for Septoplasty

✅ Preoperative Instructions:

• Medical evaluation:
  • Blood tests and medical history review.
• Avoid blood thinners:
  • Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, or anticoagulants before surgery.
• Stop smoking and alcohol:
  • Improves healing and reduces risks.
• Fasting before surgery:
  • No food or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure.

✅ Medications:

• You may be prescribed:
  • Antibiotics: To prevent infection.
  • Pain relievers: To manage discomfort.
  • Nasal sprays: To reduce inflammation.

🔥 6. The Septoplasty Procedure

✅ A) Procedure Overview:

• Type of anesthesia:
  • Local anesthesia with sedation OR
  • General anesthesia (more common).
• Duration:
  • The surgery takes approximately 30–90 minutes.

✅ B) Surgical Steps:

1. Incision:
   • A small incision inside the nostril.
   • No external scars.
2. Lifting the mucosa:
   • The surgeon lifts the nasal mucosa (lining) to access the septum.
3. Reshaping or removing deviated parts:
   • The surgeon trims, reshapes, or removes portions of the deviated septal cartilage or bone.
4. Repositioning the septum:
   • The septum is straightened and aligned properly.
5. Closing the incision:
   • The mucosa is repositioned.
   • Dissolvable stitches are used.
6. Nasal packing or splints:
   • Soft splints or packing material may be placed to support the septum during healing.

🔥 7. Recovery & Postoperative Care

✅ Immediate Post-Surgery Effects:

• Mild bleeding or drainage from the nose for a few days.
• Swelling and congestion (common and temporary).
• Discomfort or mild pain.
• Splints or packing may be left in place for 3–5 days.

✅ Postoperative Care Tips:

• Nasal rinses:
  • Use saline sprays or rinses to keep the nasal passages clear.
• Avoid blowing your nose:
  • For at least 1 week to prevent bleeding.
• Rest and hydration:
  • Drink fluids and get plenty of rest.
• Keep your head elevated:
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
• Use pain medication:
  • Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as needed.
• Avoid strenuous activities:
  • No heavy lifting or intense physical activity for 2–4 weeks.

✅ Follow-Up Appointments:

• Your surgeon will monitor healing and remove splints or packing.
• Full recovery takes about 3–6 weeks, but minor swelling may persist for a few months.

💡 8. Potential Risks & Complications

Although septoplasty is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Bleeding: Mild to moderate bleeding is common.
• Infection: Rare but possible.
• Septal hematoma: Blood collection under the nasal lining.
• Perforation of the septum: A small hole may develop, causing whistling sounds or breathing issues.
• Change in nose shape: Minor changes in the nasal shape.
• Persistent symptoms: Some symptoms may not fully resolve.
• Anesthesia-related risks: Rare but possible reactions.

✅ 9. Benefits of Septoplasty

• Improved breathing: Enhanced airflow through both nostrils.
• Reduced nasal congestion: Better drainage and sinus function.
• Fewer sinus infections: Lower risk of chronic sinusitis.
• Better sleep quality: Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
• Enhanced quality of life: Better overall respiratory health.

🔥 10. When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop.
• Severe or persistent pain.
• Fever or chills (signs of infection).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Nasal discharge with a foul odor.

✅ 11. Prevention Tips After Surgery

• Use a humidifier:
  • Prevents dryness and keeps nasal passages moist.
• Stay hydrated:
  • Helps prevent nasal dryness and crusting.
• Avoid smoking:
  • Reduces the risk of inflammation and scarring.
• Use saline rinses regularly:
  • Keeps the nasal passages clear.
• Avoid nasal trauma:
  • Protect your nose from accidental bumps.