Nasal Bone Curvature (Septum Deviation): What Is It, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods?

There is a structure made of bone and cartilage inside the nose. This structure is called the septum. It divides the nose into cavities. Curvature of the septum is called nasal septum deviation (septal deviation). Nasal septum deviation can cause problems by blocking airflow through the nose. Nasal bone curvature is usually congenital, but it can also develop as a result of nasal trauma or surgical interventions. Its treatment is performed with nasal surgery.

What Is Nasal Bone Curvature?

The nasal bone is a small, flat bone that forms the bridge of the nose. Nasal bone curvature is the bending and angling of the septum. As a result, both the appearance and the function of the nose are affected. In general, a straight nasal bone is considered aesthetically pleasing. It provides a more symmetrical and balanced facial appearance. A certain degree of nasal bone curvature may be considered normal and adds character to a person's facial appearance.

Nasal bone curvature can affect airflow through the nasal passages. A serious deviation of the nasal septum can block one or both nasal passages, causing difficulty breathing and other symptoms. In this case, medical intervention may be required for the nose.

What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Bone Curvature?

We mentioned that nasal bone curvature results from the curvature of the cartilage and bone structure called the septum inside the nose. Accordingly, airflow in the nasal cavities can be obstructed and various symptoms may appear. The common signs and symptoms of nasal bone curvature are:

Nasal congestion: Due to nasal bone curvature, one nostril may be narrower than the other. Accordingly, a feeling of nasal congestion arises and breathing through the nose becomes difficult.

Sinusitis: By impeding drainage of the sinus cavities, nasal bone curvature can cause sinus infections called sinusitis. Symptoms of sinusitis may include facial pain, headache, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Snoring and sleep apnea: Due to nasal bone curvature, airflow during sleep may be disrupted. Accordingly, snoring and even sleep apnea may occur.

Headache: Due to nasal bone curvature, a person may frequently complain of headaches.

Sleep disorders: People with nasal bone curvature may not be able to sleep well because of insufficient airflow through the nose. As a result, they may wake up without having rested enough.

The symptoms of nasal bone curvature may vary from person to person. The severity of symptoms is not the same in everyone. If septal deviation findings are negatively affecting your quality of life and you are experiencing serious breathing problems, you should consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

What Are the Causes of Nasal Bone Curvature?

Nasal bone curvature is common in the population. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of people have septal deviation. Nasal bone curvature is seen more frequently in men than in women. It can occur at any age, but it is most often seen between the ages of 20 and 40. The exact cause of nasal bone curvature is unknown. However, genetics, past trauma and inflammation are among the known causes.

In general, the causes of nasal bone curvature can be listed as follows:

Congenital factors: Many people may be born with nasal curvature. During development, the nasal septum may deviate from normal and curve. These people do not have a straight nasal structure.

Nasal trauma: Blows to the nose, accidents, sports injuries and nasal surgery can lead to nasal curvature. Nasal curvature may occur as a result of a broken nose or damage to the septum.

Developmental factors: Nasal bone curvature may occur during childhood and adolescence due to rapid growth and development.

Chronic nasal infections: Sinusitis and other chronic nasal infections can lead to nasal bone curvature. Prolonged inflammation causes swelling and damage to the nasal tissues. As a result, bending of the septum may occur.

Sometimes nasal bone curvature occurs as a result of several factors coming together. Sometimes the cause cannot be precisely determined.

How Is Nasal Bone Curvature Diagnosed?

There are several ways to diagnose nasal bone curvature. The most common is the physical examination in which the doctor looks inside the nose using an instrument. A nasal speculum is used for this purpose. In some cases, the physician may request a nasal CT or MRI to obtain more detailed information. These tests help the physician determine the severity of the nasal curvature and plan treatment.

How Is Nasal Bone Curvature Surgery Performed?

A surgery called septorhinoplasty is performed to correct the nasal septum. This surgery may be performed by ear, nose and throat specialists and plastic surgeons. There are two types of nasal curvature surgery:

Open septoplasty

Closed septoplasty

In open septoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision at the tip of the nose. Through this incision, the surgeon reaches the nasal septum and makes the necessary corrections.

In closed septoplasty, the surgeon makes the incisions from inside the nose. Closed septoplasty is less invasive than the open one. Scarring is less with this method. Today, the closed method is more frequently preferred.

The aim of nasal curvature surgery is to straighten the nasal septum so that the patient can breathe more easily through the nose. In some cases, surgeons may remove excess bone and cartilage from the septum. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 1 hour.

After surgery, the doctor will place a splint on your nose. This splint will remain on your nose for approximately 3–4 days. It is important not to do strenuous activities for one week after surgery. Nasal curvature surgeries generally heal without problems. After surgery, pain and swelling of the nose and face may occur, and these resolve within 1 week. You may also have difficulty breathing through your nose for a few weeks after surgery.

If you have difficulty breathing through your nose or are not satisfied with the appearance of your nose, you should consult an ear, nose and throat specialist or a plastic surgeon.

Benefits of Nasal Curvature Surgery

Easier breathing through the nose

Reduction or elimination of snoring and sleep apnea

Better appearance of the nose

Increased self-confidence and happiness

What Are the Risks of Nasal Bone Curvature Surgery?

Bleeding

Infection

Scarring

Numbness around the nose

Difficulty breathing through the nose

Dissatisfaction with the result

If you want to have nasal curvature surgery, you need to talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of the operation before it is performed.

What Should Be Considered After Nasal Bone Curvature Surgery?

The points you should pay attention to after nasal curvature surgery are:

Pain and swelling after surgery: Some pain and swelling after surgery is normal. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers for you.

Nosebleeds: Occasional nosebleeds after surgery are normal. If your nosebleed lasts a long time, inform your doctor.

Difficulty breathing through the nose: The reason for difficulty breathing through the nose after surgery may be edema in the tissues and the nasal packing placed. This problem goes away within a few weeks.

Swelling and bruising of the nose: After surgery, swelling may occur on the nose and face. This is normal. After surgery, your doctor will ask you to apply ice. Swelling and bruising resolve within 1–2 weeks.

Scarring: Minimal scars that form after surgery fade within a few weeks.

Don't forget your check-ups: After surgery, your doctor will want to see you at certain intervals. Do not neglect these check-ups.

Doing the following after surgery will help your recovery:

Rest well: You need rest to recover, so do not exhaust yourself.

Apply ice frequently to reduce swelling on your face and nose.

Use the pain relievers and medications recommended by your doctor.

Do not touch or pick at your nose. Picking your nose can cause irritation and infection.

Use a nasal moisturizer. Apply saline to your nose.

Be patient and optimistic

If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, stay in contact with your doctor. Nasal bone curvature of genetic origin cannot be prevented. You can protect yourself against nasal curvature that may develop later by protecting your nose from trauma and chronic infection. Nasal bone curvature is treated with closed or open septorhinoplasty operations. If you have nasal curvature, your doctor may give you decongestant and moisturizing medications to help you breathe comfortably. Nasal bone curvature is treated with closed or open septorhinoplasty operations. If you have nasal curvature, your doctor may give you decongestant and moisturizing medications to help you breathe comfortably. These operations are performed on people over 18 years of age. It is called septal deviation. It is performed with open or closed septorhinoplasty surgery. These operations usually last 2–3 hours. Nasal bone curvature can cause nasal congestion, making breathing difficult, may lead to sinusitis, and may cause snoring and sleep apnea. As with every surgery, nasal curvature surgery carries risks. Bleeding and infection may develop after the operation. The result may not be what you wish for. If you cannot breathe comfortably through your nose and think you have nasal curvature, make an appointment with the nearest ear, nose and throat specialist.