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“I always have one side of my nose blocked, and it’s hard to breathe.”
Many people with this complaint often mistake it for simple rhinitis.
However, when symptoms are not easily relieved with medication and recur repeatedly, patients eventually visit an ENT clinic.
In many cases, the underlying cause is not rhinitis but a structural problem called deviated septum.
The nasal septum is the wall dividing the two nostrils. If this structure is bent to one side, it can cause nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, headaches, snoring, and other symptoms.
While medications may provide temporary relief, if the problem is structural, the definitive solution is septoplasty, a surgical treatment.
Today, we will provide a professional guide on when septoplasty is needed in Daegu, the surgical process, pre- and post-operative precautions, and how to choose the right hospital.
What is a Deviated Nasal Septum?
The nasal septum is a structure made of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into left and right sides. It can be naturally crooked from birth, or it can become deformed due to trauma or asymmetrical growth.
When the septum bends to one side, the space in one nasal cavity becomes narrower, which can obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult.
Common symptoms include persistent nasal congestion on one side, snoring or sleep apnea, chronic rhinitis, symptoms associated with sinusitis, headaches, reduced sense of smell, and facial pain.
Although the symptoms are similar to those of rhinitis, the difference is that the cause is structural rather than inflammatory.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Not all cases of a deviated nasal septum require surgery.
Surgery should be considered for individuals who have persistent nasal congestion on one or both sides for more than three months, or for those whose symptoms do not improve even after taking medication for rhinitis.
It should also be considered if there is difficulty breathing during sleep, frequent mouth breathing, or disrupted sleep.
If the septum is severely deviated, it can narrow the space inside the nose, making the nasal mucosa more prone to swelling and inflammation. Additionally, if the external appearance of the nose is also affected, or if there is significant asymmetry between the left and right sides, functional surgery combined with cosmetic correction may be necessary.
How Is Septoplasty Performed in Daegu?
Septoplasty, also called nasal septum correction or septal reconstruction, is a surgical procedure aimed at straightening the bent cartilage or bone to improve airflow within the nasal cavity.
The surgery is usually performed endoscopically through the inside of the nose, so there are no external incisions or scars.
After local or sedation anesthesia, the surgeon accesses the inside of the nose to remove or correct the deviated portions of cartilage and bone while preserving supporting structures to ensure proper nasal function. The procedure typically takes about one hour, and the recovery period is around 5 to 7 days.
Bleeding and pain are generally mild, and most patients can return to daily activities within about a week, making this a relatively simple and effective treatment.
Preoperative and Postoperative Precautions
For those considering surgery, it is important to carefully review the precautions before and after the procedure.
Accurate diagnosis of the degree of deviation and the condition of the cartilage through nasal endoscopy and CT scans is crucial for septoplasty. Based on this, visiting an otolaryngology clinic that can create a personalized plan regarding the timing and method of surgery helps achieve the best results.
Preoperative precautions include quitting smoking, as it can affect mucosal healing, and stopping anticoagulant medication if applicable. If you have a cold or any inflammation, it is best to reschedule the surgery and wait until full recovery.
Postoperative precautions include being prepared for nasal congestion and discharge for 1–2 days after surgery. Nasal irrigation should be performed according to the medical team’s instructions. It is also recommended to avoid forceful nose blowing or strenuous exercise for about two weeks.
Where Is the Best Place to Have Septoplasty?
The main goal of septoplasty is “functional improvement,” not cosmetic enhancement.
Therefore, it is important to have the surgery performed by an otolaryngology specialist who understands nasal anatomy and structure and focuses on improving nasal function, rather than a general cosmetic surgeon.
Visiting an ENT clinic that conducts detailed endoscopic examinations and imaging studies to carefully analyze the necessity of surgery and the extent of correction is sufficient for safe and effective treatment.
The most practical way to breathe comfortably is with septoplasty in Daegu. Don’t ignore simple nasal congestion—if symptoms persist, consult an ENT specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
This post was written directly by a physician in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. All procedures carry the possibility of side effects such as bruising, swelling, inflammation, or burns, so please consult with medical staff before undergoing any treatment.