Nasal Septal Spur: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options

Have you ever heard of a nasal septal spur? This condition can significantly impact your breathing and overall comfort. A nasal septal spur is a bony growth on the nasal septum that can lead to various symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore what a nasal septal spur is, how it develops, and what treatment options are available. Stay tuned to uncover the mystery behind this condition and find out how it can be effectively managed.

Introduction to Nasal Septal Spur

A nasal septal spur is a bony growth on the nasal septum, the thin wall that separates the nasal passages. This condition can cause various symptoms and impact the overall quality of life, making it important to understand its nature and implications.

Formation and Causes

A nasal septal spur often develops due to trauma to the nose, such as from playing contact sports or leaving a nose injury untreated. It can also result from a severely deviated septum, where the nasal septum is off-center and causes a bony growth over time.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a nasal spur include nasal obstruction, congestion, and noisy breathing. These symptoms can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, particularly when one nasal passage is affected more. Patients may also experience facial pain and headaches.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a nasal septal spur typically involves a physical exam using a nasal speculum or nasal endoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity visually. Medical history and symptoms are also considered. A deviated septum self-test can sometimes indicate the presence of a septal spur, but professional evaluation is necessary for confirmation.

Impact on Quality of Life

A nasal septal spur can significantly affect nasal breathing, leading to sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea and contributing to daytime fatigue. It can also cause frequent nasal congestion, making engaging in physical activities or enjoying a normal quality of life difficult.

Causes of Nasal Septal Spur

A nasal septal spur is a bony growth on the nasal septum that can cause significant discomfort and breathing issues. Understanding the causes of a nasal septal spur can help manage and prevent this condition.

Trauma to the Nose: One of the most common causes of a nasal septal spur is trauma. This can occur from playing contact sports, accidents, or physical altercations. Even minor injuries to the nose can lead to the development of a bony growth as the body heals.

Deviated Nasal Septum: A deviated septum, where the nasal septum is significantly off-center, can contribute to forming a septal spur. The constant pressure and asymmetry within the nasal passages can stimulate bone growth along the septum’s particular side.

Congenital Conditions: Some people are born with structural abnormalities in their nasal cavity, including a deviated septum. These congenital conditions can predispose individuals to developing septal spurs over time.

Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammation within the nasal passages, often due to conditions like chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis, can lead to the formation of a septal spur. The ongoing irritation and inflammation can cause the body to produce additional bone tissue as a protective response.

Age-Related Changes: As people age, changes in the nasal septal cartilage structure and cartilage can occur. These changes can lead to spurs on the nasal septum, especially if there has been a history of nasal trauma or chronic inflammation.

Previous Surgery: Individuals who have undergone nasal or sinus surgery, such as septoplasty or rhinoplasty surgery, may develop septal spurs as a complication or result of the surgical procedure. The healing process can sometimes result in the formation of excess bone.

Symptoms Associated with Nasal Septal Spur

A nasal septal spur can cause various symptoms, impacting both nasal function and overall quality of life. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management.

Nasal Obstruction: One of the most common symptoms of a nasal septal spur is nasal obstruction. This occurs when the bony growth blocks the nasal passages, making breathing difficult through one or both nostrils difficult. The obstruction can be persistent or may vary in severity throughout the day.

Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion is another frequent symptom. The presence of a septal spur can lead to continuous or recurring stuffiness in the nose, often mistaken for allergies or sinus infections.

Nosebleeds: The irritation and inflammation caused by a septal spur can lead to frequent nosebleeds. The bony growth may cause the delicate nasal lining to dry and crack, resulting in bleeding.

Facial Pain and Headaches: Individuals with a nasal septal spur may experience facial pain, particularly around the nose and eyes. This discomfort can extend to headaches, often due to the pressure and strain caused by the obstruction in the nasal passages.

Noisy Breathing: Noisy breathing, especially during sleep, can be a symptom of a nasal septal spur. The obstruction can cause turbulent airflow, leading to snoring or other abnormal breathing sounds.

Sleep Disturbances: The breathing difficulties caused by a nasal septal spur can lead to sleep disturbances, such as frequent waking and sleep apnea. This can result in poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.

Increased Risk of Infections: Obstruction and reduced airflow can lead to increased risk factors for sinus infections. Blocked nasal passages can prevent proper drainage, creating an environment where bacteria and viruses can thrive, leading to frequent sinus infections and associated symptoms.

Impaired Sense of Smell: The airflow disruption caused by a septal spur can impair the sense of smell. This can affect the ability to enjoy food and detect odors, impacting daily experiences and potentially leading to safety concerns, such as not being able to smell smoke or gas.

Quality of Life: Overall, breathing difficulties, sleep disturbances, facial pain, and recurrent infections can significantly impact quality of life. Individuals with a nasal septal spur may find it difficult to engage in social activities, perform well at work or school, and maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Post-Nasal Drip: Some individuals may experience post-nasal drip, where excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat. The irritation and inflammation from the septal spur can cause this.

How a Nasal Septal Spur is Diagnosed

Diagnosing a nasal septal spur involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialized diagnostic tools. Here are the steps typically taken to identify this condition:

Medical History: The diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical history. Your healthcare provider or doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any factors that may exacerbate or alleviate them. They will also inquire about any history of nasal trauma, previous surgeries, allergies, and chronic nasal issues.

Physical Examination: The healthcare provider conducts a thorough physical examination of the nose. The provider uses a nasal speculum to gently widen the nostrils and a bright light to inspect the nasal passages. This initial examination helps identify obvious abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or visible spurs.

Nasal Endoscopy: For a more detailed view, a nasal endoscopy may be performed. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) into the nasal passages. The endoscope provides a clear, magnified view of the nasal cavity, allowing the healthcare provider to see the septal spur and assess its size and impact on the nasal passages.

Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI may be recommended. These imaging techniques provide detailed cross-sectional images of the nasal structures, helping to confirm the presence of a septal spur and evaluate its relationship with surrounding tissues.

Symptom Correlation: The healthcare provider will correlate the physical findings with the patient’s symptoms. They will consider how the septal spur may contribute to issues like nasal obstruction, congestion, nosebleeds, and facial pain.

Deviated Septum Assessment: Since nasal septal spurs often occur with a deviated septum, the healthcare provider will assess the degree of septal deviation. This involves checking for any asymmetry in the septal deviations between nasal passages and determining how much the septum deviates from the midline.

Allergy Testing: If chronic inflammation or allergic rhinitis is suspected to contribute to the nasal symptoms, allergy testing may be performed. This helps identify any underlying allergic triggers that could exacerbate the nasal condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Nasal Septal Spur

While surgery is often necessary for severe cases of nasal septal spur, several non-surgical treatment options are available that can help manage symptoms and improve patient quality of life.

• Nasal Steroid Sprays: Nasal steroid sprays can reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, helping to alleviate congestion and improve airflow. These sprays can be particularly effective in reducing the symptoms caused by a nasal septal spur, such as nasal obstruction and congestion.
• Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion. These medications work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and opening the nasal passages, making breathing easier. However, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as long-term use can lead to rebound congestion.
• Saline Nasal Irrigation: Saline nasal irrigation involves rinsing the nasal passages with a saltwater solution. This can help clear out mucus, allergens, and irritants, reduce inflammation, and improve nasal airflow. Regular saline irrigation can provide significant relief from the symptoms of a nasal septal spur.
• Antihistamines: If allergies contribute to the symptoms, antihistamines can help reduce allergic reactions and nasal inflammation. By controlling allergy symptoms, antihistamines can alleviate nasal congestion and improve breathing.
• Avoiding Irritants: Environmental irritants such as smoke, strong odors, and pollutants can help reduce nasal inflammation and congestion. Creating a clean, allergen-free environment can significantly improve nasal comfort and overall quality of life.
• Humidifiers: A humidifier in your home can help keep the nasal passages moist, reducing dryness and irritation. Humidified air can also make breathing easier and alleviate symptoms such as congestion and nasal discomfort caused by a septal spur.
• Pain Management: OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage the facial pain and headaches associated with a nasal septal spur. These medications can offer temporary relief and enhance comfort.
• Positioning During Sleep: Raising the head during sleep can help alleviate nasal congestion and enhance airflow. Utilizing extra pillows or an adjustable bed can facilitate easier breathing and mitigate the impact of a nasal septal spur on sleep quality.

Surgical Treatments for Nasal Septal Spur

Surgical intervention may be necessary when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of a nasal septal spur. Surgical treatments aim to correct the structural issues within the nasal passages, providing long-term relief and improved nasal function.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is the most common surgical procedure for correcting a nasal septal spur. In this outpatient procedure, the doctor makes an incision inside the nasal cavity to enter the septum. The bony spur and deviated septum portions are removed or reshaped to create a straighter, more central septum. This helps improve airflow and reduce symptoms such as nasal obstruction and congestion. Recovery involves a few weeks of rest and limited activity to allow the nasal tissues to heal properly.

Rhinoplasty

In some cases, rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, may be performed alongside septoplasty. This combined procedure of plastic surgery, known as septorhinoplasty, not only addresses functional issues caused by the septal spur but also enhances the external appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty can correct structural deformities, improve nasal symmetry, and provide aesthetic and functional benefits.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended if the nasal septal spur is associated with chronic sinusitis or other sinus issues. This minimally invasive procedure utilizes an endoscope to visualize and remove obstructions within the nasal passages and sinuses. This surgery can provide comprehensive relief from nasal and sinus symptoms by addressing both the septal spur and any sinus blockages.

Turbinoplasty

In cases where enlarged nasal turbinates contribute to nasal obstruction, rhinoplasty may be performed alongside septoplasty. This procedure lessens the size of the turbinates, which are structures within the nasal passages that can become swollen and obstruct airflow. Combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty can enhance overall nasal breathing and improve the results of septal spur correction.

Post-Surgical Care

Following septum surgery, patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities, nose blowing, and irritant exposure. Nasal packing or splints may be used to support the healing septum. Pain management, saline rinses, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential components of the recovery process. Most patients experience significant improvement in nasal breathing and reduced symptoms after healing.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Adequate post-treatment care and recovery are essential for achieving optimal results following surgical treatment for a nasal septal spur. Following your surgeon’s instructions can help ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting benefits.

• Immediate Post-Surgery Care: After surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion. Having nasal packing or splints is common to support the healing septum and control bleeding. Your surgeon will give detailed guidance on how to care for these.
• Pain Management: Pain and discomfort in this case are usually mild to moderate after nasal surgery and can be treated with pain relievers or over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for pain management to ensure comfort during recovery.
• Nasal Hygiene: Keeping the nasal passages clean is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. Your surgeon may recommend saline nasal rinses to gently cleanse the nasal passages and remove any crusting or debris. Avoid blowing your nose for the first week or as your surgeon directs to prevent disrupting the healing tissues.
• Activity Restrictions: Restrict physical activity, particularly tough exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over, for at least one to two weeks following surgery. These activities can raise blood flow to the nose and may cause bleeding or swelling.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Consistent follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to observe the healing process and ensure there are no complications. During these visits, your surgeon will inspect the surgical site, remove any nasal packing or splints, and address any concerns you may have.
• Avoiding Irritants: Avoid environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and strong odors, as they can exacerbate nasal irritation and delay healing. Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air and prevent nasal dryness.
• Head Elevation: Keeping your head elevated, especially while sleeping, can help reduce swelling and promote drainage. Use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to keep your head in an elevated position.
• Diet and Hydration: Sustain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support healing. Proper nutrition can help your body recover more quickly and efficiently.
• Signs of Complications: Be aware of potential risks and complications, such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, or signs of infection (e.g., increased redness, swelling, or discharge). Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

The nasal septal spur can significantly impact your breathing and quality of life. Comprehending its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for effective management. If you suspect you have a nasal septal spur, consult a plastic surgeon in Miranda, NSW at Dr Alan Evans clinic to explore the best treatment options for your condition and improve your overall well-being.

References

Spurs in the Nose – NCBI

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8735955/pdf/buffmedj139983-0007.pdf

Deviated septum treatment: At-home and surgical options – HealthPartners

https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/deviated-septum-treatments/

Bony nasal septal spur bridging the middle meatus

https://radiopaedia.org/cases/bony-nasal-septal-spur-bridging-the-middle-meatus

Septoplasty – series—Indications

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100038_2.htm

Deviated septum – Symptoms & causes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351710