Deviated Nasal Septum and Nasopharyngeal Problems
Q: Sir, I have been having sinusitis problem since long time due to deviated nasal septum. Twice, the right sided maxillary sinus filled with fluid. The doctor broke and removed the liquid. I have observed a small hard bump behind my throat. So I was not able to swallow easily. When large mucus gets discharged from nose, the bump disappears. Then I can eat easily. Is there any relation between the sinus problem and the bump? Is there any relation between the bump and swallowing problem? How can I get cured? Can I remove the deviated nasal septum? Will that give permanent solution?
Reply:
Yes, the bump in the throat and your sinus problem may be related.
Bump in Throat
There are many lymphoid tissues in our throat. When there is any infective process in the ENT region, which includes the sinuses, there are pretty good chances that the lymphoid tissues of the throat may react and get enlarged.
This swelled up lymph gland may have produced the bump. As the infection subsided, the bump also disappeared.
Enlarged lymph glands are capable of giving you the swallowing problem. They seem to be related.
Treating the Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS)
The nasal septum is basically a partition between the two nostrils, right and left. When it is deviated, one side is narrowed and the other is broadened.
On the narrow side, there in improper drainage from the sinuses. This makes them prone to infections.
On the broad side, the airflow in more than normal. This causes dryness and may lead to nose bleeds.
Treatment of this condition depends entirely on the severity of deviation of this nasal septum.
You need to visit an ENT specialist. Let him examine you and decide the appropriate treatment.
In cases where the deviation is mild and the patient does not have much problem, surgery is not done.
However, if the deviation is more and the patient has frequent infections, surgery would be better. After surgery, you would not be facing frequent infections and other problems. It is likely to be a permanent cure.
Take Care,
Buddy M.D.
Conditions like DNS are definitely better off dealt through nasal surgery especially when they cause repeated infections.
Other kinds of sinus problems just need an ENT visit for some nasal medication or rarely a course of antibiotics.
I had a DNS problem and was advised to have surgery. I underwent the surgery in Dec 2010. Till today I have never felt even a slight improvement in the right nostril which was narrow before the surgery.
Since I keep breathing through the mouth, I have started getting itching sensation near the right side of the throat. Kindly advise me as to what can be done to improve this condition as I have lost faith in meeting an ENT again, hearing the same story repeatedly.
Your may now go through a detailed reply to your problem of recurrence of nostril blockage after DNS septoplasty here.
If you have further questions, you are welcome.
Might be, if you could advise a better doctor in Bangalore. It would be of great help.
Though we are unable to suggest a specialist in a direct way. But in general it would be a good idea to get any surgery in a good institutional set up or some well known hospital, rather than in a solo ENT practitioner clinic.