DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM

Deviated Nasal Septum

1. Definition: Deviated nasal septum is a condition where the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils (nasal septum) is displaced or crooked.

Types:

1. Anterior Deviation: The septum deviates anteriorly, causing nasal obstruction and congestion.
2. Posterior Deviation: The septum deviates posteriorly, causing nasal obstruction and congestion.
3. Saddle Nose: A congenital deformity where the nasal septum is absent or severely compromised.
4. Columella Deviation: The columella (the skin that connects the two sides of the nose) is deviated.

Etiology:

1. Trauma: Injury to the nose can cause a deviated nasal septum.
2. Congenital: Some people are born with a deviated nasal septum.
3. Allergies: Repeated allergic reactions can cause the nasal septum to become deviated.
4. Infections: Certain infections can cause a deviated nasal septum.

Pathology:

1. Cartilaginous deformity: The cartilage in the nasal septum is deformed or crooked.
2. Bony deformity: The bone in the nasal septum is deformed or crooked.
3. Nasal turbinate hypertrophy: The nasal turbinate bones are enlarged, causing nasal obstruction.

Clinical Features:

1. Nasal obstruction: One or both nostrils are blocked.
2. Nasal congestion: The nasal passages are congested.
3. Epistaxis: Nosebleeds are common.
4. Hyposmia: Reduced sense of smell.
5. Facial pain: Pain in the face, especially in the nasal area.

Investigations:

1. Nasal endoscopy: A flexible scope is inserted into the nostrils to visualize the nasal cavity.
2. CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan is done to evaluate the nasal septum and surrounding structures.
3. Rhinoscopy: A rhinoscope is inserted into the nostrils to visualize the nasal cavity.

Complications:

1. Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passages.
2. Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses.
3. Nasal septal perforation: A hole forms in the nasal septum.
4. Sleep apnea: Breathing difficulties during sleep.

Management:

1. Observation: Monitoring for complications.
2. Medical treatment: Medications to alleviate symptoms.
3. Surgery: Septoplasty or turbinate reduction surgery.
4. Nasal strips: Adhesive strips applied to the nose to improve breathing.

Homoeopathic Therapeutics:

1. Aconitum: Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and facial pain.
2. Belladonna: Nasal congestion, headache, and epistaxis.
3. Euphrasia: Nasal congestion, eye discharge, and facial pain.
4. Nux vomica: Nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain.
5. Pulsatilla: Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and facial pain.

Homoeopathic Treatment of Rhinitis:

1. Aconitum: Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and facial pain.
2. Belladonna: Nasal congestion, headache, and epistaxis.
3. Euphrasia: Nasal congestion, eye discharge, and facial pain.
4. Nux vomica: Nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain.
5. Pulsatilla: Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and facial pain.