Is a deviated septum something that can worsen with time on its own or could it be caused by a previous turbinate reduction?

Question

In June 2012 I had a turbinate reduction, since then I have started snoring considerably more than before the surgery. I had an MRI done last week and my general Dr said I needed to see my ENT again due to a deviated septum. Would/Could that surgery cause a deviated septum or could it cause it to worsen or cause snoring? Is a deviated septum something that can worsen with time on its own?

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

Many patients I see have a deviated septum. In some cases they do not notice any symptoms from their crooked septum, in some cases they feel their nose is blocked. The septum is a piece of cartilage the divides the nose into two sides. When it is twisted it can block the nose in some patients. Turbinates are bones located on either side of the nose. There are many ways to treat turbinates that range from shrinking them to surgically removing them. Turbinates are very sensitive to environmental allergens such as pollen and dust mites. One of the odd things with nasal surgery is that treating the nasal turbinates can sometimes make breathing worse. It should not have any effect on the septum itself and the only thing that can change it would be trauma or surgery. You need a good nasal specialist to look at your nose and give an assessment.
 Good luck, I hope this helps.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A deviated septum can worsen over time. It is more true for younger patients. Turbinate surgery should not have any affect on the septum. The turbinate itself can enlarge over time and be the source of snoring or poor nasal breathing. Try eliminating the simple issues first like dryness (use saline spray), allergies (take anti histamines) and if it does not get better, see your surgeon or an Otolaryngologist. RegardsDr JDisclaimer:
This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute
for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’
education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for
further evaluation of your individual case.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is performed for twisted cartilage and bone in the back of the nose blocking air flow. Cartilage and bone is either removed and straightened to improve airflow dynamics through the nose. Turbinate surgery is performed by  a variety of different fashions, however the attempt is to make the turbinate smaller to improve airflow. When there is chronic sinusitis and chronic allergies, the turbinate skin lining can hypertrophy and create further obstruction if the allergies are not under control. For more information and diagrams, please see  the link below

Is a deviated septum something that can worsen with time on its own or could it be caused by a previous turbinate reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Is a deviated septum something that can worsen with time on its own or could it be caused by a previous turbinate reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.