A deviated nasal septum, where the cartilage and bone that divide the nasal cavity are off-center, can lead to a host of issues affecting your quality of life. Among these are alterations in your sense of smell and taste, which can be particularly troubling. This blog explores how a deviated nasal septum influences these senses and offers guidance on managing the condition, with insights from experts.
Understanding the Deviated Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is a thin wall inside your nose that separates your left and right nasal cavities. Ideally, it should be in the center, allowing for even airflow through both nostrils. However, for many, the septum is deviated, or off-center, which can cause one nasal passage to be smaller than the other. This deviation can result from congenital factors, injury, or other medical conditions.
How Smell and Taste are Affected
- Obstructed Airflow
The most direct impact of a deviated nasal septum on the sense of smell is due to obstructed airflow. The smell is a critical component of taste, when airflow is restricted, odors can’t reach the olfactory receptors effectively, leading to a reduced or altered sense of smell.
- Mucus Buildup and Inflammation
A deviated septum often leads to chronic nasal congestion and mucus buildup, causing inflammation. This persistent congestion can dull the sense of smell. Inflammation in the nasal passages can also affect taste, as the sensory cells in the nasal cavity are closely linked to the sensory pathways for taste.
- Increased Risk of Sinus Infections
People with a deviated septum are more prone to sinus infections, which further compromise the senses of smell and taste. Infections can cause swelling and blockage, exacerbating the already diminished olfactory function.
Video Transcript
hello this is Dr Puja Ghosh, consultant ENT surgeon.
As ENT surgeons, we treat diseases related to nasal obstruction.
Most of the times, if you see, this is the commonest cause.
The most common cause, if we see, is deviated nasal septum.
Deviated nasal septum is very common and at least 70% of us actually have it.
But if it really causes some kind of trouble like nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, continuous mouth breathing, not being able to breathe, and not being able to sleep at night due to the nasal obstruction, and in the long term if it goes untreated, it may give rise to headache, sinus headache, post-nasal drip, even bad breath or halitosis.
So all these are actually easily treatable.
If you see this deviated nasal septum, why does it occur? It occurs mostly due to genetic causes, so by birth most of us may have a deviated septum.
Some causes are due to trauma – trauma to the nose, such as a cricket ball injury or while playing you get hurt on your nose, or you have a fall, or some road traffic accident may lead to deviated nasal septum.
- Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that a deviated nasal septum is affecting your sense of smell and taste, consulting an ENT doctor is crucial. An ENT Specialist can perform a thorough examination, often using endoscopy, to assess the extent of the deviation and recommend appropriate treatments.
Managing Symptoms
Medications
Nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroid sprays can help reduce inflammation and congestion, temporarily improving airflow and sensory function.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Using a humidifier, avoiding allergens, and practicing good nasal hygiene can help manage symptoms.
Surgery
In severe cases, a surgical procedure known as septoplasty may be necessary to correct the deviation. This surgery can significantly improve airflow, thereby restoring the sense of smell and taste.
A deviated nasal septum can significantly impact your sense of smell and taste, affecting your overall quality of life. Understanding how this condition influences these senses is the first step toward effective management.
Consult with our expert ENT specialist at Supreme Hospital in Padur to discover effective treatment options and find relief from your symptoms today.
