Copyright (c) 2010 Gerry Stringer

Chronic sinus infections, breathing problems, frequent nosebleeds, snoring and sleep apnea are common but one of the chief conditions physicians run diagnostic testing for is a deviated nasal septum.

The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into halves, the nostrils. At its base is the central supporting skeleton covered on each side by mucous membrane, with the front portion being a firm but bendable structure made mostly of cartilage. At best, the septum divides the two nostrils into equal-sized air passages, however it is estimated that as many as 80% of all people have an off-center nasal septum, and most experience no problems; a "crooked" or "broken" nose that is visibly misaligned is, in most cases, a cosmetic issue. A deviated septum, on the other hand, is by definition a medical condition that restricts the air passage, usually more severe on one side, that can lead to a host of problems like chronic sinusitis, nosebleeds, restricted air intake, infections, sleep apnea, snoring and more.

The most common cause of a deviated septum is face trauma, or simply a blow to the nose, however some congenital medical or genetic conditions may also be the cause. Most general practitioner physicians are schooled in the diagnoses of a deviated septum, and the usual procedure is to send the patient on to a specialist, typically an otolaryngologist, also called an ear, nose and throat specialist, or sometimes a plastic surgeon.

Deviated septum repair surgery, septoplasty, is a common one to one-and-a-half hour long procedure performed under local or general anesthetic and the patient is able to return home the same day. Surgery to correct a deviated septum requires the specialist to work through the nostrils, making an incision in the layer of soft tissue (nasal mucosa) to separate it from the underlying cartilage and bone. The doctor then straightens or trims the bent cartilage and replaces the musoca over the cartilage and bone. Since it is done entirely through the nostrils, there is generally no visible scarring on the patient. Also, except in very severe cases, septoplasty is not performed on young people before they turn 18 because the cartilaginous septum continues to grow until then. Because it is a genuine medical condition, devitated septum repair is covered by most health insurance.

Septoplasty remarkably restores nasal health. Athletes suffering from a deviated septum report a higher level of endurance with more air intake after the procedure, and those suffering from infections, nosebleeds, snoring and sleep apnea most often find a great measure of relief.

Once performed, physicians report that it generally takes about 10 days from the time of the surgery for the patient to resume the majority of normal activities. The patient's nostrils are kept open with nasal stents after surgery and are removed in a few days after swelling abates, this is a dramatic improvement in comfort compared to the former practice of gauze packing. For a week to 10 days, patients are advised not to blow their nose, rather simply dabbing at an inconvenient dripping, and nasal sprays are prescribed in order to quickly reduce swelling. After a deviated septum surgery, downtime includes avoiding swimming for several weeks until the healing process is complete and eliminating all athletic activity for the first 10-14 days. Because the swelling makes it difficult to clear one's ears, flying is also not recommended for the first 2 weeks post-surgery.

Since a misaligned septum is fairly common, persons experiencing breathing problems, excessive nosebleeds, frequent sinus infections, sleep apnea or snoring are advised to consult a physician about a possible deviated septum. Other conditions that require a different therapeutic regimen can cause these symptoms but almost all physicians can diagnose the problem and refer a patient to an appropriate specialist. If it comes to septoplasty, the good news is that it is a very common procedure with a marvelous record of success and relief.