Nasal congestion or blockage caused by simple viral infections or seasonal allergies is often temporary. However, if nasal congestion persists for a long time, leading to difficulty in breathing, sleep disturbances, snoring, impaired sense of smell, chronic headaches, sleep apnea, fatigue, and frequent upper respiratory tract infections, it may have become chronic.
There can be many reasons for nasal congestion. The most common causes include: deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve stenosis, acute or chronic sinusitis, adenoid hypertrophy, mucosal swelling, nasal polyps, and more. Even factors like cigarette smoke, allergic reactions, fluctuating weather conditions, air pollution, spicy foods, hormonal changes, and continuous use of nasal sprays can sometimes contribute to chronic nasal congestion. One or several of these factors causing nasal congestion can be present in the same patient.
How is the Diagnosis of Nasal Congestion Surgery Made?
First, specific tests are performed to determine the cause of nasal congestion. Endoscopic examination is crucial in identifying the causes of nasal congestion. If deemed necessary, the operating doctor may request radiological imaging (computed tomography) to detect additional pathologies comprehensively. Based on the results obtained from these tests, the doctor can decide whether surgery is necessary. In some cases, certain diseases causing nasal congestion can be managed with medications. Surgery is the definitive solution for nasal congestion that cannot be controlled with medication.
Causes of Nasal Congestion and Surgical Techniques:
1. Deviated Septum (Septoplasty): Septoplasty, commonly known as deviated septum surgery, is performed to correct nasal obstruction caused by the deviation of the nasal septum. During the operation, the deviated and excessive parts of the bone and cartilage are removed and reshaped to bring the nose into a proper position. Subsequently, a small stitch is placed inside the nose, and a silicone splint is placed to support the corrected bone. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Turbinate Hypertrophy (Turbinate Reduction): Turbinates, also known as nasal concha, are structures responsible for warming and moisturizing the air we breathe. Turbinate hypertrophy, characterized by excessive growth of the turbinates, can lead to nasal congestion. Several methods are available for reducing turbinate hypertrophy, including radiofrequency, laser or cautery reduction, cryotherapy, or surgical reduction. Among these, radiofrequency reduction is commonly preferred due to its ability to shrink the turbinates without damaging the tissue. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
3. Nasal Valve Stenosis: Nasal valve stenosis occurs when the nasal valve structures responsible for regulating airflow become narrowed, obstructing healthy breathing. Surgical correction of nasal valve stenosis involves various techniques. One of the most common methods is placing cartilage or bone grafts to widen the nasal valve and improve airflow. The aim of the surgery is to expand the narrowed nasal valve and alleviate nasal congestion. This procedure typically requires general anesthesia and takes about 1-1.5 hours.
4. Chronic Sinusitis: Sinus surgery is an option for patients with sinusitis symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks and not responding to medication. The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, involves accessing the sinuses through the nose using an endoscopic camera. Infected tissues, polyps, or cysts within the sinuses are removed, and the sinus openings are widened to promote drainage. This helps alleviate nasal congestion caused by chronic sinusitis. Septoplasty, turbinate reduction, nasal valve correction, and sinus surgery can be performed simultaneously in the same operation to address nasal congestion comprehensively. The duration of the operation varies depending on the patient's condition, the size of the infected tissue, and the technique used, typically ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tags: #Nasal Congestion Surgery #Diagnosis #Deviated Septum #Septoplasty #Turbinate Hypertrophy #Turbinate Reduction #Nasal Valve Stenosis #Chronic Sinusitis #Sinus Surgery #Endoscopic Procedure #Radiofrequency Reduction #Laser Reduction #Cautery Reduction #Cryotherapy #Bone Graft #Cartilage Graft #General Anesthesia #Local Anesthesia