Name of the Condition

• Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS)

Summary

A deviated nasal septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between the nasal passages is displaced to one side. This can result in difficulty breathing through the nose and may cause other nasal symptoms.

Causes

• Congenital: Present at birth due to developmental factors.
• Trauma: Injury to the nose may lead to a deviation.
• Age-related changes: Natural growth processes can exacerbate the deviation over time.

Risk Factors

• Birth defects
• Nasal injury, which can happen during contact sports or accidents
• Previous nasal surgery
• Aging-related changes in the nasal structure

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion, often more pronounced on one side
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Frequent sinus infections
• Snoring or sleep apnea

Diagnosis

• Physical examination, including a nasal endoscopy
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, to assess the extent of the deviation if necessary

Treatment Options

• Medications: Decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays to manage symptoms.
• Surgical Intervention: Septoplasty is the surgical procedure to correct the deviation and improve airflow.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Most patients experience significant improvement in breathing and related symptoms post-treatment.
• Regular follow-ups may be needed to monitor symptoms, especially if managed conservatively without surgery.

Complications

• Chronic mouth breathing, leading to dry mouth
• Repeated sinus infections
• Sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea if left untreated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing protective gear during sports to prevent nasal injuries
• Avoiding physical confrontations or situations where facial trauma might occur

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose
• Frequent nosebleeds or recurring sinus infections
• Significant impact on quality of life, such as sleep disturbances

Additional Resources

• American Rhinologic Society: https://www.american-rhinologic.org
• Mayo Clinic: Deviated Nasal Septum Information: https://www.mayoclinic.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate code selection by confirming the diagnosis of "deviated nasal septum" without associated sinusitis, which will affect related coding.
• Avoid coding errors by differentiating between congenital deviation (Q67.4) and traumatic deviation or acquired cases (J34.2).