Nasal deformities are anomalies in the shape and/or function of the nose. They are relatively common and many are simply aesthetic issues that cause no symptoms, although many patients are unhappy with their appearance because of the shape of their nose. However, in some cases, nasal deformities can cause difficulty breathing, and treatment may be needed to improve functionality
Some types of nasal deformities are:
- Deviated septum – the cartilage that divides the nostrils (septum) is bent to one side.
- Enlarged adenoids – lymph glands at the back of the nose (adenoids) can become enlarged, blocking the airway and causing sleep apnoea.
- Swollen turbinates – the turbinates on the side of each nostril clean and humidify air being breathed in. When swollen, they hamper breathing.
- Saddle nose – there is a depression in part of the nasal bridge. It is also known as “boxer’s nose”, and can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, certain diseases, and cocaine abuse.
- Nasal/dorsal hump – a hump in the nose is relatively common and is usually formed by excess bone or cartilage, depending where on the nose it occurs. Often running in families, it can also be causes by trauma.
Symptoms
Nasal deformities can produce symptoms such as:
- Blockage of one or both nostrils – this can make breathing difficult and is more noticeable when you have a cold or an allergy, which can inflame and narrow the nostrils.
- Bleeding – if the surface of the nose dries up, you may suffer more nosebleeds.
- Facial pain – sometimes a nasal deformity can cause facial pain.
- Loud breathing during sleep – this occurs if the tissue inside the nose is inflamed. It is common in infants and children with a deviated septum.
- Nasal cycle – the nose is usually blocked alternately on one side or the other, which is called the nasal cycle. This is normal, but if it happens very ofen it can mean an abnormal obstruction.
- Preference for sleeping on one side. Some people prefer to sleep on one side at night to improve nasal breathing, which may be due to a deviated nasal septum.
Treatment
Various medications exist to manage the symptoms of nasal deformities, including analgesics, decongestants, antihistamines, and steroid sprays.
The only real solution to the problem, however, is surgery. This could come in the form of a rhinoplasty, which reshapes the nose, or a septoplasty, which surgically straightens the cartilage between the nostrils.
The specialist will first plan and personalise the intervention, since no two noses are exactly the same. Surgery usually takes between one and a half to two hours to correct the functional and aesthetic defect. Most patients are discharged on the same day and the definitive results will be seen at 3-4 months.
