Nasal Obstruction in Patients with Deviated Nose

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to investigate the incidence and characteristics of nasal obstruction and their association with the types and direction of external deviation among patients with a deviated nose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with a deviated nose without mucosal diseases in the nose from January 2004 to July 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall incidences of nasal obstruction were assessed. Incidences of nasal obstruction by the types and direction of deviation in the external nose and by the direction of the septal deviation were also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (81.8%) were found to suffer from various degrees of nasal obstruction. Left sided obstruction was more dominant irrespective of the direction of external nose. There was no relationship between the dominant sides of nasal obstruction and the type and the direction of the deviation of external nose. Among patients with a linear shaped deviated nose, the septum tends to deviate to the opposite side of the direction of the external nose. CONCLUSION: Nasal obstruction is commonly found among patients with a deviated nose. But not all patients suffer from nasal obstruction. To attain good aesthetic and functional results, a rhinoplastic surgeon should pay particular attention to this common findings among patients with deviated nose.