Types of Nasal Septal Deformities Related to Nasal Symptoms: A Preliminary Report

Kim, Sung Shik; Kim, Dong Young; Lee, Hae Sung; Lee, Seung Soo; Lee, Sei Young; Kim, Tae Man; Lee, Jeung Gweon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal septal deformity (NSD) is one of the most common cause of nasal obstructions. However, many patients with NSD complain various symptoms besides nasal obstruction such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal discomfort, etc. This study aims to investigate the frequencies of various types of NSD, and to analyze the relationship between types of NSD with nasal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We prospectively analyzed the relationship between the patients with different types of NSD and their various nasal symptoms in 693 cases visited Severance Health Center from March to May 1997. We thoroughly evaluated them with careful history taking for their symptoms and meticulous physical examination for classifying the types of NSD using the anterior rhinoscope, nasal endoscope as well as palpation with cotton applicators.
RESULTS
273 cases (39.4%) had a certain type of NSD and 176 cases (25.3%) were suffering from nasal symptoms. According to the Mladina's Classification, the most common type was type I, and the overall prevalence of the nasal symtoms in NSD group was higher than the control group. The most common symptom was nasal obstruction, and its degree and other symptoms were positively correlated with the types of NSD.
CONCLUSION
The NSD showed a positive correlation with various nasal symptoms and, therefore, the surgical treatment of NSD will not only improve nasal obstruction but also other various nasal symptoms.