The Progression of a Deviated Nasal Septum and Precautions

Have you suddenly started having difficulty breathing and experiencing a persistent runny nose?

Even though you have not caught a cold or been exposed to an allergen, you may have experienced nasal congestion and a feeling of pressure or fogginess in your head.

If you have had difficulty falling asleep and your headaches have also worsened, there may be a problem beyond simple nasal congestion.

When the symptoms mentioned above recur, the condition that may come to mind first is a deviated nasal septum.

This condition can cause everyday discomfort and side effects due to an abnormal structure inside the nose.

The nasal septum is a structure that serves as a pillar inside the nose. It is made up of cartilage and bone and divides the nostrils into two.

A pillar should normally be straight, but when it becomes bent, various problems can occur.

When it is displaced to one side, air cannot enter evenly through both sides, which can make breathing uncomfortable.

The more severe the deviation, the more likely it is to cause complications such as headaches, reduced sense of smell, sleep disturbances, and reduced concentration.

Surgical treatment was needed to alleviate a deviated nasal septum.

Unlike other treatments, treatment for a deviated nasal septum was performed with the aim of restoring function.

Because it was performed for medical rather than cosmetic purposes, it could be covered by national health insurance.

If you had private medical expense insurance, the procedure could be carried out at a somewhat lower cost. However, some medical institutions may charge additional fees for detailed examinations, anesthesia, and other services, so this should be confirmed in advance.

To briefly explain the treatment process, it was performed under sedation and took approximately two hours.

Because the incision was made inside the nose, there was little visible scarring on the outside.

Some of the deviated cartilage was removed and straightened so that air could move smoothly through both nostrils.

Unless an implant was inserted, there were not many visible changes externally, but a significant functional difference could be felt.

After the treatment, gauze was placed inside the nose and a splint was applied externally to help the nose settle into the proper shape.

The materials inserted inside and outside the nose could be removed after two to three days, and the stitches could be removed after one week.

While the gauze was in the nostrils, it was necessary to breathe through the mouth, which could cause dry mouth and make breathing uncomfortable.

Although there could be discomfort for several days, it was important to follow the medical institution's instructions carefully to support a smooth recovery.

Any action that placed strong pressure or compression on the nose had to be avoided. Blowing the nose forcefully or applying strong pressure around the area had to be avoided as well.

From immediately after treatment for a deviated nasal septum and for at least one week, strenuous exercise, swimming pool visits, and sauna visits had to be avoided.

At home, bending the head downward and using a low pillow were also prohibited.

Until the stitches were removed, the incision site had to be kept from coming into contact with water. Alcohol consumption and smoking also had to be avoided because they could cause inflammation and delay recovery.

Significant swelling and bruising generally subsided in about two to three weeks, and the final appearance could be assessed after approximately six months.

During the recovery period, the progress had to be monitored closely. If any unusual signs appeared, even minor ones, it was necessary to visit a medical institution immediately for treatment.

When improving a deviated nasal septum, inferior turbinate reduction was sometimes performed at the same time.

The turbinates are organs that regulate the temperature, humidity, and flow of air entering the body during breathing. When they become enlarged, they can cause nasal congestion.

If the inferior turbinates are enlarged or chronic rhinitis is present, reducing their size can make breathing more comfortable.

Because this is also a treatment intended to restore function, it was important to make a plan through a thorough consultation with the physician in advance and proceed carefully.

During diagnosis, it was more beneficial in several respects to assess the condition using various examination devices rather than relying solely on visual observation.

A 3D CT scan could be used to examine the soft tissues three-dimensionally, while an endoscope could be used to directly assess the condition inside the nose.

At this clinic, individualized plans were established based on the examination results, taking symptoms, the degree of cartilage deviation, and complications into consideration.

Rather than proceeding without this process, it was advisable to examine the inside and outside of the nose carefully and apply a plan designed specifically for each individual.

Immediately afterward, breathing did not become comfortable right away because the nose was blocked with gauze and the area was swollen.

However, as the inserted materials were removed and the swelling subsided, the nasal passages became wider, and it became possible to notice that breathing felt different from before.

As sufficient oxygen entered, some people experienced relief from headaches, improved concentration, and improvements in dry mouth, bad breath, and sleep disturbances.

These results showed that the purpose of this treatment was not simply to correct an abnormal structure but also to restore function.

In other words, treatment for a deviated nasal septum could be considered a choice aimed at improving quality of life.

Of course, there were many points to research beforehand and many steps to complete, including detailed examinations and thorough consultations. However, these were aspects that could be accepted in pursuit of improved function.

Although the treatment involved an incision, following the necessary precautions set by both the medical staff and the patient could enable a quick and smooth return to daily life.

The fact that it could be covered by insurance because it was performed for treatment purposes was also worth noting.

If a minor discomfort gradually worsens and begins to significantly interfere with your life, consider seeking help from a medical professional.

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