Inside Deviated Septum Self Test

The nasal septum, a thin wall of cartilage and bone, divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. When this septum is significantly off-center or crooked, it’s known as a deviated septum. This condition can lead to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and even sleep disorders. Before consulting a healthcare professional, individuals can perform a self-test to gauge if they might have a deviated septum.

Understanding the Symptoms To start, it’s essential to recognize the common symptoms associated with a deviated septum. These include: - Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils - Noisy breathing or mouth breathing during sleep - Recurrent nosebleeds - Facial pain or pressure - Postnasal drip or discharge - Loss of smell

The Self-Test Process Performing a self-test for a deviated septum involves a series of simple steps:

1. Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror and look at the nasal passages. Although the deviation might not be visible, this step helps in understanding the anatomy.
2. The Nasal Occlusion Test: Close one nostril with your finger and breathe in through the other. Then, switch and close the other nostril, breathing in through the first. Compare how easily you can breathe through each nostril. Significant difficulty breathing through one nostril could indicate a deviated septum.
3. The Cottle Test: Gently push the nasal septum to one side with your finger (after washing your hands) to see if breathing improves. If there’s a noticeable improvement when you push the septum towards one side, it might suggest a deviation.
4. Sense of Smell Test: Close one nostril and smell something familiar (like coffee or vanilla) through the other. Then, switch. If there’s a significant difference in the ability to smell, it could be related to a deviated septum affecting the olfactory region.

Interpreting Results If the self-test indicates potential issues with breathing or smelling through one nostril significantly more than the other, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. A deviated septum can sometimes be a congenital condition or result from injury. Only a medical professional, typically an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can definitively diagnose a deviated septum through a physical examination and possibly imaging tests like a CT scan.

Seeking Professional Diagnosis A professional diagnosis involves a thorough examination of the nasal passages, possibly using a nasal endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end—to visualize the septum and other internal structures of the nose. The ENT specialist may also ask about symptoms, medical history, and perform other tests to rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.

Treatment Options Treatment for a deviated septum can range from medications to relieve symptoms to surgical procedures like septoplasty to correct the deviation. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the deviation, the symptoms, and the individual’s overall health.

Conclusion While a self-test can provide insights into potential breathing or nasal issues, it’s only a preliminary step. A comprehensive diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for determining the best course of action. Understanding the symptoms and process of a deviated septum self-test can empower individuals to seek the necessary medical evaluation, potentially leading to improved breathing, reduced discomfort, and a better quality of life.