Prevalence and clinical features of nasal septum deviation: a study in an urban centre

Abstract

Background: Considerably large nasal septum plays a critical role in the obstruction of the nasal cavity, leading to snoring, and other symptoms, aesthetic appearance of the nose, and increased nasal resistance. This study was performed with an aim to investigate the prevalence of nasal septum deviation in our geographical area. Methods: 446 patients who attended the ENT department in the study period were evaluated for the nasal septum deviation. General demographic details were obtained from all of them. Detailed physical exam was performed on all the patients. Disposable nasal speculum and otoscope was used to observe the interior of the nasal cavity. Results: Out of 446 patients visiting the ENT department of our hospital, 138 (30.9%) of them had DNS. The C shaped NSD was the most common type to be encountered in our study, with 57 patients showing this disorder. Nasal obstruction was the predominant symptom observed in 119 (86.2%) of the patients, followed by rhinitis and nasal discharge (34.8%). Conclusions: Deviated nasal septum is a very prevalent condition in our area, with severe symptoms such as nasal obstruction and rhinitis. Most of the patients had C shaped deviated septum.