Years of nasal congestion due to deviated septum

Ho Chi Minh City – Mr. Thang, 68 years old, suffered from nasal congestion for many years and frequent sinusitis. Doctors discovered that his nasal septum was deviated to one side and his turbinates were excessively enlarged.

Mr. Thang came to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for examination due to persistent nasal congestion, worsening at night, and frequently recurring sinusitis affecting his quality of life.

Endoscopy results showed a severely deviated nasal septum to the left, causing obstruction of the nasal sinuses. Additionally, the inferior turbinate (a structure that regulates nasal airflow) was excessively hypertrophied, narrowing the nasal airway and causing nasal fluid buildup.

On September 18th, Dr. Pham Thai Duy, a specialist in Otolaryngology at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, stated that the patient suffered from a deviated septum and hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, the cause of which is unclear. The deviated septum and hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate cause nasal congestion and fluid buildup, leading to chronic sinusitis and worsening rhinosinusitis. If this condition persists, it can lead to snoring, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders such as hypertension and dysglycemia.

The surgeon performs a "2-in-1" procedure, including endoscopic septoplasty and turbinate correction. The endoscope and tissue planer assist the surgeon, resulting in smoother surgery, less bleeding, reduced invasiveness, and shorter procedure time.

The patient recovered well, experiencing less nasal congestion after two weeks and a significant reduction in nasal fluid buildup. The patient underwent endoscopic surgery, resulting in no scarring, and was discharged after two days.

Doctors Hang (left) and Duy (right) perform endoscopic septoplasty surgery on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh Hospital

According to Dr. Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, about 80% of people with deviated nasal septum are unaware of it. Common causes of deviated or crooked nasal septum include congenital factors, nasal trauma (accidents, failed rhinoplasty), infections, and aging. Mild cases do not require treatment. However, if nasal and sinus function is affected, causing snoring or frequent nosebleeds, surgery is necessary.

Hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates occurs due to various causes such as prolonged exposure to dust, smoke, and cold, dry air. Self-medication with nasal drops can cause the turbinates to become overgrown, narrowing the nasal cavity and restricting airflow, affecting oxygen supply to the brain. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and memory impairment. Prolonged nasal turbinate obstruction can lead to loss of the sense of smell.

In the evening, the weather is cold, and people are less active than during the day, making them more prone to nasal congestion. Sleeping on your side causes blood to pool on one side, leading to severe nasal congestion.

Patients experiencing nasal and sinus abnormalities should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Dr. Hang advises everyone to limit exposure to smoke, dust, and allergens. Wearing a mask when going out, getting flu vaccinations, keeping warm, and avoiding infectious diseases are recommended to prevent nasal and sinus problems.

Khanh Phuong

* Patient's name has been changed

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