Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systematic nasal breathing disorders is a deviated septum. This problem cannot be solved with drops and tablets. Only plastic surgery can help here.
Why is a nasal septum necessary?
The nasal septum is a plate that includes sections of bone and cartilage, covered with a mucous membrane. It divides the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is needed to filter and heat the air. If it were a single cavity, it would quickly wear out and could not fully perform its functions. Thanks to the baffle, each half of the nose works in turn, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose, being its skeleton.
Curvature symptoms
A patient with this pathology is concerned about:
- nasal congestion;
- headache;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- decrease in working capacity, quality of life;
- rapid fatigue.
The plastic surgeon cites the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people worldwide have an even septum. Many of them are not bothered by anything, since the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is nasal septum correction surgery performed?
Before septoplasty, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with an otolaryngologist and a comprehensive examination. First, a CT scan is performed. It allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, determine the scope of the operation. You will also need to pass several tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- coagulation;
- blood for a number of infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiogram;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary to exclude possible contraindications to surgical intervention.
The correction of the nasal septum is carried out under anesthesia with the addition of a local anesthetic. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the operation according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of a cosmetic defect after the operation.
- Further actions depend on the type of fault. If there is an isolated spike or ridge, it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, the partition is partially destroyed and "created" again.
- Sew the mucosa. Self-absorbing threads are applied.
- Silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passage and sutured. These are plates that maintain the correct shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of a septal hematoma and speed up the healing process.
The duration of nasal septumplasty depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can vary from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After the surgeries, the patient has to spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the septum
After the operation, the patient needs a stationary diet. Antibacterial treatment, hemostatic and analgesics are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the splints by constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, hematomas and swelling of the face may appear, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling of the nasal cavity and splints.
The splints are removed on the 7-10th day. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to continued swelling.
After that, the patient should stay at home at rest for another 4-5 days. During the first 2 weeks you need:
- give up hot baths, saunas, baths;
- limiting physical activity;
- do not blow your nose heavily;
- limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
The doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays aimed at accelerating the healing of the mucous membrane and restoring the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be evaluated after 2-3 months, when the edema disappears completely and the healing processes are completed.