Surgery Options for Deviated Septum and Chronic Nasal Congestion

Regarding surgery for a deviated septum?

If I have a deviated septum and frequently experience nasal congestion, waking up every morning with sneezing and a runny nose, what kind of surgery should I consider? I have heard about laser treatments.
If surgery is necessary, how many days will it take for recovery? Thank you.
It's really painful to have difficulty breathing through my nose; it affects my sleep, my studies, and my mood.
My complexion has been poor, and no matter how much I exercise, it doesn't seem to help.
I always look pale and have a yellowish tint to my skin.
I wake up every morning with a dry mouth and throat.
Sigh...
Thank you for your prompt response.

Ye, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/06

Dr. Cai Hongyan reply Otolaryngology

1.
First, take medication and use a nasal spray; if ineffective, consider surgery.
2.
Laser surgery will recover within 1-2 years, with the benefit of being quick and not requiring hospitalization.
3.
For complete improvement, an inpatient surgery for septoplasty along with inferior turbinate reduction can be performed, requiring a 5-day hospital stay, with no recurrence for life.

Reply Date: 2004/09/06

More Info

When dealing with a deviated septum and chronic nasal congestion, it's essential to understand the various surgical options available and how they can alleviate your symptoms. A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone that divide the nasal cavity are off-center or crooked, which can lead to breathing difficulties, frequent nasal congestion, and other related issues. Chronic nasal congestion can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.

Surgical Options
1. Septoplasty: This is the most common surgical procedure for correcting a deviated septum. The surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the septum, removing or reshaping the cartilage and bone to straighten it. This procedure typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes and is usually performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a week, although complete healing may take several weeks.

2. Turbinoplasty: If you also have enlarged turbinates (the structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify the air), a turbinoplasty may be performed alongside septoplasty. This procedure reduces the size of the turbinates to improve airflow.
3. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: If your nasal congestion is related to chronic sinusitis, this procedure may be necessary. It involves using an endoscope to remove blockages in the sinuses, improving drainage and airflow.

4. Laser Surgery: While laser surgery can be used for certain nasal procedures, it is not commonly the first choice for correcting a deviated septum. Laser techniques may be used for turbinate reduction or to treat specific nasal conditions, but traditional surgical methods are generally more effective for septoplasty.

Recovery and Considerations
After surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. It's crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping your head elevated, and using saline nasal sprays to keep the nasal passages moist.

Regarding your concerns about the frequency of nasal congestion, morning sneezing, and runny nose, these symptoms can be indicative of allergies or other underlying conditions. If allergies are a contributing factor, your doctor may recommend allergy testing and treatment options, such as antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.

Impact on Quality of Life
Chronic nasal congestion can lead to various issues, including sleep disturbances, fatigue, and even mood changes. The symptoms you describe, such as dry mouth upon waking and a lack of energy, can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality due to nasal obstruction. Addressing the underlying causes through surgical intervention can significantly improve your quality of life.

Conclusion
If you are considering surgery, it is essential to consult with an experienced ENT specialist who can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate surgical options. They will also provide you with a detailed overview of the expected recovery time and what you can do to facilitate healing. Remember, the goal of surgery is not only to improve your breathing but also to enhance your overall well-being and quality of life. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Septal Deviation: Surgery Options and Allergies Explained

Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask whether surgery for a deviated septum is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia? Is there a significant relationship between a deviated septum and nasal allergies that leaves me feeling confused? Under what circumstances is surge...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question. (1) Local anesthesia. (2) If there is severe nasal congestion or difficulty breathing clinically, it should be addressed; if medication is ineffective, surgery should also be considered.

Understanding Deviated Septum: Symptoms, Treatments, and Solutions

I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with "chronic hypertrophic rhinitis with a deviated septum." My allergy history includes: allergies -> acute rhinitis -> chronic rhinitis -> acute hypertrophic rhinitis -> chronic hypertr...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Student Lin. 1. It may be a symptom of a deviated septum. 2. Surgery is the best option. 3. No. 4. Medication can be used for treatment. 5. No. For your reference, please see the previous article. ┌─── 　■ Dr. Yeh Da-Wei's ENT Clinic Medical Education ■　 ─── 2000/02/20 ┐ Th...

Understanding Surgical Options for Severe Nasal Septum Deviation

I would like to inquire about the current surgical methods for severe nasal septum deviation in various hospitals. I have received different information; some say the procedure involves pulling the nose towards the eyes, resulting in an open surgery, while others claim it can be ...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, when it comes to severe deviation of the nasal septum, the surgical approach can either be open or performed endonasally, depending on the severity of the deviation and the specific surgical techniques that each physician is proficient in. Additionally, the duration of nas...

Understanding Septal Deviation: Surgery, Insurance Coverage, and What to Expect

I was diagnosed with a deviated septum and hypertrophic rhinitis due to nasal congestion during my first visit to the doctor. I need to undergo a procedure called "bilateral nasal passageoplasty" to resolve the issue, which requires a 3-day hospital stay and is covered ...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Dear Sir/Madam: Our hospital does not have resident physicians, therefore we do not have experience with such surgeries. Sincerely, Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.