What is a deviated nasal septum? 

The septum refers to the cartilage that sits in the middle of the nose and separates the nostrils. However, some people are born with a septum that is inclined towards either side, creating difficulty in breathing and impacts the quality of life negatively. This inclination is referred to as deviated septum. A deviated septum may not always cause hindrance to the normal functioning of the nose. However, in some cases, an untreated deviated septum can become complex and, therefore, requires a surgical procedure for its correction. 

The surgical procedure to treat deviated nasal septum is called septoplasty. The procedure aims to restore the normal functioning of the nose while simultaneously treating all the breathing issues associated with a deviated nasal septum. It can be performed on anyone at any age, depending on the medical condition of the patient. 

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  • Injury to the nose
  • Congenital disability
  • Nosebleeds
  • Difficulty in breathing through the nose
  • Sleep apnea
  • Frequent sinus infections
  • Dryness in one nostril
  • Frequent snoring
  • Nasal congestion and inflammation
  • Contact sports such as football, rugby, wrestling, etc.
  • Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
  • Driving a car without a seatbelt
  • Weak bone density
  • Physical trauma
  • Rest all day after surgery and avoid touching, rubbing, or blowing your nose.
  • Apply ice packs to your nose and eyes to get relief from the pain and swelling.
  • Keep your nose dry while using an ice pack. Cover the ice packs with a dry cloth or small towel.
  • Sleep by keeping two pillows under your head.
  • Take the prescribed medicines without failure.
  • Take pain medications when you feel pain and don’t let it get very bad.
  • Do not perform heavy exercises or operate heavy machinery that can put more pressure on your face for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Avoid bending over, holding your breath, or tightening face muscles even during bowel movements.
  • Don’t take a bath or shower for 24 hours after surgery. The nurse will provide instructions for cleaning your nose.
  • You can go outside but avoid staying under the sun for more than 15 minutes.
  • Follow-up with the doctor as suggested.

Frequently Asked Question

Deviated nasal septum can cause several breathing issues due to blockage in one or both nostrils. Moreover, if you are experiencing nosebleeds, facial pain, or difficulty sleeping, you might have a deviated septum.

Some symptoms of nasal blockage can be managed by some medications that can reduce the discomfort and pain associated with the deviated nasal septum. However, they are not the permanent cure, and the patient has to undergo septoplasty in order to permanently treat a deviated septum.
Yes, a deviated septum can lead to a sinus infection due to the inclination of the septum towards either side of the nose. This makes the other nostril vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections that can cause recurrent sinus infections.
Yes, people suffering from a deviated septum usually suffer from sleep apnea and loud snoring due to disfigured septum. The congestion in the nasal cavity leads to disturbed sleep patterns and loud snoring. People who snore or suffer from sleep apnea benefit highly from septoplasty.
Septoplasty is the most effective way to treat deviated nasal septum. The procedure involves minor cuts using modern tools and technology to fix the cartilage inside the nose. Septoplasty is an advanced procedure that ensures better sleep and improved quality of life.
The cost of septoplasty procedure in Bhubaneswar starts from Rs. 40,000. However, the actual cost can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the surgical expertise of the ENT surgeon.
Some factors that affect the cost of septoplasty in Bhubaneswar are -
  • Selection of the hospital (government or private)
  • Consultation fee of the ENT specialist
  • Experience and expertise of the ENT specialist
  • Cost of anesthesiologist
  • Post-consultation charges
  • Medication cost
  • Insurance coverage
Some insurance companies do cover the cost of septoplasty partially or entirely if the deviated septum can cause a medical emergency. However, the insurance claim depends on the insurance policy and the terms and conditions set by the insurance provider.

Why choose septoplasty for the treatment of deviated nasal septum?

Septoplasty is an advanced procedure that involves minor incisions on the inner side of the nose to correct the shape. Some people have deviated septum since birth which means septoplasty can be very important. Some benefits of septoplasty include the following – 

  • Improved breathing due to improved nasal function.
  • Better sleep quality due to improved airflow
  • Fewer sinus infections
  • Frequency of snoring is reduced
  • Improved senses for patients who had a history of the impaired nasal septum.

What to expect during the septoplasty?

The hospital or the ENT specialist usually provides a set of instructions so that the patient does not get anxious during the surgery. Septoplasty takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the medical condition of the patient and the surgical expertise of the surgeon. Septoplasty provides several benefits, and people who undergo septoplasty experience a better quality of life. Here is what you can expect during the surgical procedure of septoplasty –

  • You will be given a loose garment to wear before the surgery for comfort and avoid pressure on the surgical site. 
  • The ENT surgeon will administer local or general anesthesia to reduce the discomfort and numb the pain around the surgical site.
  • The ENT surgeon makes a minor incision inside the nose around the cartilage and bone. The ENT specialist aims to correct the nasal septum according to the desired shape. 
  • Along with septoplasty, the surgeon may also perform rhinoplasty to change the shape of the nose. 
  • Finally, the ENT surgeon closes the incision using adsorbable sutures or stitches along with some nasal packing to absorb bleeding and nasal fluids. 

Recovery after your septoplasty

Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure which means the patient can go home on the same day of surgery after consulting the ENT specialist. There may be mild swelling that can last for two to three days. However, full recovery may take around 3 months. Here are some recovery tips after your septoplasty procedure – 

  • Take adequate rest and avoid touching your nose and mouth. 
  • Your nose may be bleeding after the surgery and so, avoid sneezing, coughing, etc. 
  • You can apply an ice pack and cover it with a clean cloth or towel to reduce pain and swelling. 
  • Prefer sleeping with your head up for around two weeks and avoiding external pressure on the nose. 
  • Do not shower or bathe for the first 24 hours after the surgery and avoid people to help prevent contracting any disease. 

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