The nasal septum is a wall that divides the nasal cavity into two parts. The anterior part of the septum consists of healthy but flexible cartilage, and the posterior part consists of bone.

Normally, the presence of a septum from the midline is necessary so that the right and left nostrils are of the same width. In 80% of people, the septum is not quite on the middle line, and this does not cause health problems, since it does not cause any complaints. Sometimes the septum deviates greatly from the midline, and this is called a curvature of the nasal septum. The reasons for the formation of a curvature of the nasal septum are different. In rare cases, children are born with congenital curvature of the nasal septum. Also, sometimes the septum bends during the passage of the child through the birth canal. The curvature of the nasal wall can occur as a result of the rapid development of bones and cartilage during growth.

What are the symptoms of nasal septum curvature?

The most common symptom of nasal septum curvature is respiratory failure. Nasal congestion mainly occurs on the side where the septum is curved, but variable breathing difficulties can be felt on both sides. The curvature of the septum can cause the following problems:

1. One- or two-sided nasal congestion
2. Recurrent nosebleeds
3. Recurrent sinusitis
4. Sometimes pain in the face, headache, nasal discharge
5. Sound breathing in a dream (mainly in children)

In some people with a slight curvature of the nasal septum, symptoms appear only during a cold.

OPERATIONS AIMED AT CORRECTING A CURVED SEPTUM

When deciding on surgical intervention, the patient’s complaints and nasal congestion should be taken into account, as well as the negative impact of nasal congestion on the patient’s quality of life. Successful results are obtained with standard operations lasting up to 20-30 minutes through the nostrils with shallow deformed bends of the cartilage occupying the anterior half of the septum not close to the root of the nose. In the presence of these problems, an “open technical operation” is carried out if aesthetic intervention is required at the same time.