What is and how can I treat a deviated septum?

Question

Whilst playing for my local rugby side recently, I took a severe blow to my nose which has damaged the piece of cartilage beetween my nostrils they have deviated from being in a centre position and now bend permanently to one angle.

It's quite painful and I'm having difficulty breathing out of the damaged side of my nose. Having spoken with my GP they said there is nothing they can do for me, my nose is fine and is completly straight, I seem to think otherwise can you give me any info or any advice on what to do next as I'm really quite genuinly in pain and feel let down.

Thank-you

Answer 1

I had a deviated septum with a lot of breathing problems. I had a nose job last November and I'm breathing much better. It wasn't really painful at all. But, now I have a perforated septum (a hole in the septum). I've decided that I'm not going to have it repaired, because my sister-in-law had 2 surgeries to repair a perforated septum & neither surgery was successful. Maybe in a few years I may do it but as of now, I don't want to have another surgery. Anyway see an ENT or a plastic surgeon. Good luck. 2D

Answer 2

OK...Firstly a deviated septum is exactly that.. a deformity of the septum which is the cartilage that separates your nostrils...further back into the nose the septum turns to bone and this can also be deformed... A deviated septum can be present from birth or occur after injury to the nose, it can be severe or mild and the symptoms can range from breathing problems to face pain...

The operation to correct a deviated septum is called a Septo-plasty and requires a general anaesthetic, and again depending on the severity it can be a routine op or a more complicated one. If the deviation has occured through trauma to the nose it might hopefully be just a routine op to correct it.

I had a deviated septum from birth and couldnt have the op till the bones in my nose had finished growing so had to wait untill after i was 16. The operation took 4 hours and i was only in hospital for 4 days but you will not be allowed to go to work for a further 2 weeks to prevent infection.

I also now have a perforated septum as a result of the op and tbh i wouldnt in hindsight have the operation again, but that is probably due to the fact that i'm asthmatic and i found having my nostrils packed and splinted the worst experience ever... a few years down the line and the perforated septum doesnt bother me anymore so i won't be considering having it repaired.

But in your case i would firstly ask to see another GP in your surgery and ask to be referred to a specialist. It may be that your GP has missed a problem or it might be the problem is further back in your nose...either way your GP should not leave you in pain.

good luck with it...and if you want more info just google Septoplasty and theres a wealth of information on it.

Answer 3

What you need to do is go to an ENT (and Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist) for a checkup. They are better equipped to evaluate the situation inside of your nose. Your GP should be able to recommend one, and refer you if necessary, but YOU have to take the initiative, even if your GP doesn't agree (they don't usually refuse to let you see specialists if you insist.)

If your septum is indeed deviated, you may need a minor surgery. It may also just be asymmetric swelling that you are noticing. As I said, the ENT is the true authority on that.