It’s not uncommon to experience discomfort in your nasal cavity, but if you feel persistent pain in the area between your nostrils, it may be septal pain. This type of nasal pain is caused by inflammation or irritation of the cartilaginous septum that divides your nose into two distinct nostrils. In this article, we’ll explore why your septum hurts and what treatments are available to help reduce the associated discomfort. So keep reading to learn more about why your septum might hurt and how you can get relief!
Table of Contents
What is Septal Pain?
Septal pain, also known as septum pain, is discomfort or pain in the area between your nostrils. It’s caused primarily by an abnormality of the cartilaginous septum that separates the two nasal cavities and keeps them distinct from each other. This structural abnormality is called a deviated septum, and it can cause varying levels of discomfort ranging from mild to severe.
Infections, allergies, and trauma can also contribute to septal pain. If you have a cold or sinus infection, you may experience increased pressure in your nose which could lead to inflammation and discomfort in the area around your septum. Allergies can cause inflammation of the mucosal membranes in the nose as well, and any trauma to the area can cause irritation or direct damage to the cartilage.
How is Septal Pain Treated?
The treatment for septal pain depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort:
Allergies: If allergies are causing your septal pain, then antihistamines and other allergy medications may help to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
Infections: If an infection such as a sinus infection or cold is causing your septal pain, then antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the underlying cause. Nasal sprays can also be used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Deviated Septum: In severe cases of a deviated septum, surgery may be recommended to correct the structural abnormality and improve airflow through the nose. This type of procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and requires no overnight hospital stay.
Trauma: If trauma has caused damage or irritation to the area around your septum, then simple home remedies may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This may include using a cold compress, avoiding dry air, and taking a decongestant if needed.
How to Prevent Septal Pain?
- Avoid trauma to the area: Wear protective gear when participating in contact sports or other activities that could cause blunt-force trauma to your nose.
- Practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands and face, and avoiding touching your face or nose with unclean hands.
- Identify and treat any allergies you may have as soon as possible to avoid inflammation of the mucosal membranes.
- See a doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or facial pain in combination with nasal discomfort.
Is My Septum Irritated or Infected?
If your septum is irritated, then it may feel sore or tender to the touch. This is usually caused by a structural abnormality like a deviated septum, allergies, or trauma. If your septum appears red and inflamed, then it could be infected. In this case, you should visit a doctor for treatment with antibiotics as soon as possible.
How long until my septum stops hurting?
The duration of septal pain will depend on the underlying cause. If you have a deviated septum, then surgery may be necessary to correct the structural abnormality and provide relief from symptoms. In cases of infection or allergies, medications can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the area so that healing can begin. With proper treatment, most cases of septal pain should resolve within a few weeks.
What does a rejecting septum look like?
A rejecting septum refers to a deviation in the cartilage of the septum which causes it to be pushed away from its normal position. This can cause difficulty breathing, as well as pain and discomfort in the area around the septum. Signs of a rejecting septum include redness and inflammation near the area, as well as a nasal discharge that is thicker than usual. If you experience any of these symptoms, then contact your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Can a deviated septum be corrected without surgery?
In some mild cases of deviated septums, splints may be used to realign the cartilage without requiring surgery. However, if the condition is severe enough, then surgery may be necessary to correct the deviated septum. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
What are the long-term effects of a deviated septum?
If not treated, a deviated septum can lead to chronic sinus infections, difficulty breathing, sleep apnea, snoring, headaches, and facial pain. It is important to consult with your doctor if you think you may have a deviated septum so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated in order to avoid any long-term complications.
Are there any home remedies for septal pain?
Yes, there are some home treatments that may help alleviate septal pain. These include using a cold compress to reduce inflammation, avoiding dry air, and taking decongestants if needed. Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands and face and avoiding touching your nose with unclean hands. If symptoms persist or worsen despite these treatments, then you should contact your doctor for further assessment.
Will my septal pain go away on its own?
In many cases, septal pain will resolve without treatment. However, if the underlying cause is a structural abnormality or infection, then medical intervention may be required in order to allow healing. Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid trauma to the area in order to prevent any further injury or infection. If symptoms persist despite home treatments, then contact your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Conclusion
Septal pain can be a difficult condition to manage, but with proper treatment and home remedies, it is possible to reduce discomfort and improve healing. It is important to consult with your doctor if you experience septal pain in order to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause. With the right care, most cases of septal pain should resolve within a few weeks. Remember to practice good hygiene and avoid trauma to the area for best results.
