In a recent interview Animal actor Ranbir Kapoor revealed that he has deviated septum and although the condition has affected his breathing and eating habits he has managed to live with this condition over the years.
According to Mayo Clinic, deviated septum occurs when your nasal septum is significantly displaced to one side, making one nasal air passage smaller than the other. In some people, an injury can cause this condition and some are born with this condition.
According to doctors, the misalignment of septum can partially block one or both nasal passages, leading to various symptoms and complications.
How does deviated septum affects you?
Deviated septum can adversely affect your breathing. According to Mayo Clinic, when a deviated septum is severe, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow. Moreover, the condition may sometimes contribute to crusting or bleeding in certain people.
A nasal blockage or congestion (obstruction) can occur from a deviated nasal septum, from swelling of the tissues lining the nose or from both, Mayo Clinic revealed.
In order to treat the nasal obstruction, you may need medications to reduce the swelling and to correct a deviated septum, you’ll need surgery.
What are the symptoms of deviated septum?
In most cases, septal displacements result in no symptoms. However, some septal deformities may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Obstruction of one or both nostrils
- Nosebleeds
- Facial pain
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Awareness of the nasal cycle
- Preference for sleeping on a particular side
When to see a doctor?
See your doctor if you experience:
- A blocked nostril (or nostrils) that doesn’t respond to treatment
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Recurring sinus infections
How to treat deviated septum?
You doctors may prescribe the following steps to manage the symptoms:
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Nasal steroid sprays
According to Mayo Clinic, medications only treat the swollen mucous membranes and won’t correct a deviated septum. If you still experience symptoms despite medical therapy, you may consider surgery to correct your deviated septum (septoplasty).