Deviated Septum

What Is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is the middle wall, made up of bone and cartilage, that divides the inside of the nose into a right and a left side. When this wall is deviated to one side, it is called a deviated septum. The deviation can obstruct the airflow passing through the nose and make breathing difficult. A deviated septum may be hereditary, or it may develop after a past blow or fracture. The degree of the deviation and its symptoms vary from person to person.

This is mostly a functional problem; that is, it primarily concerns how comfortably you breathe. When assessing a deviated septum, Prof. Dr. Esra Bayrı examines the internal structure of the nose and your breathing function in detail.

Symptoms

Symptoms commonly seen with a deviated septum may include:

• Nasal congestion, mostly more pronounced on one side
• Difficulty breathing
• Congestion that increases at night and sleeping with the mouth open
• Contributing to snoring
• Frequently recurring nasal complaints

Which of these symptoms come to the fore, and their cause, is determined by the assessment made during the examination.

Treatment Approach

A septal deviation that makes breathing difficult can be adjusted with septoplasty (correction of the wall dividing the inside of the nose). This procedure is primarily functional; the aim is to ease the airflow passing through the nose. When performed on its own, septoplasty does not set out to change the external appearance of the nose.

If a change in the shape of the nose is also wanted, the aesthetic and functional approaches can be addressed together in the same session; this combined approach is often called septorhinoplasty. When a deviated septum is seen together with a crooked nose in particular, both appearance and breathing can be addressed together. Which approach is suitable is determined individually according to the structure of your nose and your complaints.

The Recovery Process

A feeling of fullness and congestion in the nose is common in the first days after the procedure; this feeling lessens as the swelling subsides. Easier breathing becomes noticeable over time. The recovery process varies according to the structure of your nose and the scope of the procedure performed. Following the recommendations given during this period is important for the process to progress in a healthy way.

Planning

With a deviated septum, the right approach is determined by a detailed examination. The internal structure of your nose and your breathing function are assessed, and if you also have an aesthetic expectation this is discussed together. All details about the process and the cost are addressed during the examination according to the structure of your nose.