The nose is an organ on which human well-being directly depends.Once its work is disrupted, it is no longer possible to breathe normally and therefore do normal things.The cause of such problems is often a deformed nasal septum.The most effective way to correct this defect is surgery, but not everyone decides to do this due to fear of the consequences.The good news is that there are other methods you can use to normalize your breathing function.
How does the human nose work?
The nose consists of three sections: the external nose, the nasal cavity, and the paranasal sinuses.The outer part consists of bone and cartilage.The cavity is located between the eye sockets and the mouth.It is divided into two halves by a partition.The septum itself (also called the medial wall) is made up of cartilage and bone tissue.The paranasal sinuses are four pairs of cavities surrounding the nasal cavity that are connected to it through small openings.
Causes of deformation and displacement of the nasal septum
The reasons for changes in the shape of the septum are divided into physiological, traumatic and compensatory reasons.Physiological curvatures are associated with uneven growth of cartilage and bone.Traumatic displacements result from bruises sustained during fights, sports, etc.Compensatory deformations are accompanied by an increase in the size of the nasal conchae, the penetration of foreign bodies into the nasal cavity and the appearance of polyps.This creates pressure on the plate and causes it to move.
Types of nasal septum deviation
Septal deformation is divided into different types.According to the shape, it is divided into C shape, S shape, comb shape or a combination of these types.Depending on the location, it can be localized in the front, back or lower part of the nose.
Signs of curvature
A number of signs indicate deformation of the septum.Their severity depends on the type and degree of displacement.In severe cases, the pathology is visible to the naked eye, and in some people, due to the structural features of the body, symptoms may be completely absent.An ENT doctor must diagnose and treat the defect.
The following phenomena indicate an irregular shape of the septum:
- Snoring;
- difficulty breathing;
- runny nose;
- dry mucous membrane;
- Nosebleeds.
Impaired air circulation in the nasal cavity creates ideal conditions for the development of inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses and middle ear.In some people, the allergy worsens and even develops bronchial asthma.In severe cases, hypoxia affects internal organs, primarily the lungs and heart.
Ways to correct the shape of the nose without surgery
Before prescribing treatment, the doctor determines the degree of deformation through examination and a number of procedures (X-ray, tomography, rhinoscopy).If the curvature is significant, the only option is surgical correction, as this method is the only way to restore the correct anatomy of the nose.Indications for surgery include breathing problems, persistent colds or allergies, and inflammation of the sinuses, middle ear, or Eustachian tube.
For most people, a deviated nasal septum does not represent serious inconvenience. You do not need to straighten it through surgery, but use more gentle methods: laser correction, medications, clamps, massage, breathing techniques.
Straightening with laser correction
The most important alternative to classic surgery is laser correction.This is a minimally invasive procedure that is carried out without compromising the integrity of the mucous membrane.The cartilage is heated by a laser and becomes flexible enough to be shaped into the correct shape.
Despite its advantages, the process also has significant disadvantages.Because this is a relatively new technique, there is no research into what impact it will have on patients in the distant future.It is advisable to use it if the deformation has affected the cartilaginous part;It is impossible to align the bones in this way.This procedure is also expensive.
Medical straightening of the nasal septum
Deformation does not always affect air circulation.When prescribing treatment, the degree of difficulty in breathing is taken into account, and not the curvature of cartilage and bones.Normalization of nasal function is possible not only through surgery, but also through medication.The patient is prescribed decongestant tablets or drops, antihistamines for allergies and steroid sprays to relieve inflammation.
Medicines only act on the mucous membrane, so constipation is eliminated in this way.However, correction of the nasal septum is not possible without surgery or laser correction. The method also has disadvantages.With frequent instillation of vasoconstrictor drugs, regular vasospasm occurs.The body activates a compensation mechanism and the tissue begins to grow and become thicker.This makes breathing even more difficult and the person has to take the medicine more often, which only accelerates the hypertrophy of the mucous membrane.Only a correction will help you get out of the vicious circle.
Fixing a defect at home with folk remedies
It is possible to normalize the function of the nose without resorting to surgery or expensive medications.Eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane with beet drops or honey infusions.Breathing is made easier through special exercises and massages.
Application of breathing techniques
You need to do gymnastics in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated room.In case of nasal congestion, it is recommended to initially use drops.Before doing the exercises, you need to take a deep breath and hold your breath for two to three minutes.
- The “Palms” exercise is performed while standing or sitting.The hands are raised to chest level and the elbows are bent, the palms facing forward.Inhale strongly through your nose and mouth while clenching your fists.As you breathe out, your fists open.
- The figure eight exercise is performed standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.As you inhale, lean forward as far as the stretch will allow, then stand still and hold your breath.After 5 seconds, exhale and return to the starting position.
- The starting position for the “vacuum” exercise is standing slightly tilted forward with your palms on your hips.Take a deep breath in through your nose, exhale forcefully, pull in your stomach as much as possible and stay in this position for 10 seconds.
Treating curvatures with massage
With gentle circular movements, the nose begins to receive intensive blood flow, which leads to a local increase in temperature, relieves swelling and eliminates congestion.For a better effect, it is recommended to apply propolis cream to the skin before the massage.
Features of the treatment of a displaced nasal septum in children
Septal deformity often occurs in children under four years of age because at this time the facial bones are too brittle and even minor damage causes cartilage to shift.Often the baby's nose suffers during birth.In addition to mechanical causes, the pathology can also be congenital.This happens when the septum continues to grow when the skull has stopped growing.
The signs of deviated septum in children are the same as in adults: nosebleeds, runny nose, snoring and, in severe cases, mouth breathing.
If any of these signs are present, the child must be taken to an otolaryngologist who will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.Usually they cope with drug therapy aimed at normalizing breathing.Displacement of cartilage and bone in children under 16 is rarely eliminated surgically because the skull has not yet formed.Surgery is only used if the curvature is severe.
In order not to aggravate a child's condition due to a crooked partition, his room should be well ventilated.Children with a similar pathology should also avoid colds so as not to put additional strain on the respiratory system.
How to prevent a deviated nasal septum
There are no preventative measures for a congenital septal defect.Only mechanical damage that leads to deformation can be avoided.To do this, when practicing traumatic sports (martial arts, ball sports), you must observe safety precautions and avoid conflicts with other people that could lead to a fight.
Let's summarize it
For many people, a septal deformity is not a problem.However, if significant breathing difficulties occur, treatment should begin immediately.Prolongation leads to chronic rhinitis, hypoxia and disruption of internal organs.Although non-surgical treatment methods are considered less effective, they can normalize the function of the nose and return a person to a comfortable life.