What is the Full Form of DNS in Medical

DNS: Deviated Nasal Septum

DNS stands for Deviated Nasal Septum. Deviated Nasal Septum occurs when a thin wall between the nasal passages becomes dislocated or deviated. Deviations can be minimal and without any symptoms or severe nasal blockage.

The nasal Septum is defined as the wall separating the left and right sides of the nose. It is covered by skin that is richly vascularized, firm and flexible. For the left and right sides of the nose to be of equal size, the nasal septum should ideally lie exactly in the middle. The nasal septum is slightly off-center in about 80% of people, but it is not visible. Rarely, the septum is more evidently away from the center, in that case it is referred to as a deviated septum.

In individuals with a deviated septum, one side of the nose is wider than usual while the other is narrower. As a result, the airflow in the nostrils is disrupted, and the narrowed side may sometimes become obstructed. Sinus apertures can occasionally become clogged, resulting in a long-lasting sinus infection known as sinusitis. The nasal septum's epidermis can become dry and cracked as a result of the nose's altered airflow pattern, which frequently results in nosebleeds.

Reasons for a Deviated Nasal Septum

• Physical - Any impairment to the nose's wall may result in cartilage deformation.
• Dentition - (It means the development of teeth and their arrangement) - During primary and secondary dentition, the Palate widens to allow for tooth accumulation, likely to result in DNS.
• Genetically inherited Factors - The DNS is inherited genetically in certain families.

Types of nasal septum abnormalities

1. Anterior deformity: One of the nasal chambers may be fractured or the septal cartilage may be misplaced.
2. C- shaped deformation: The septum deviates to one side, while the other side may be wider and exhibit some growth in the C-shaped malformation.
3. S-shaped deformation: In this, the septum exhibits an S-shaped deformation. Both nasal blockages may result from it.
4. Spurs: It is a projection that resembles a shelf where the bone and cartilage meet.

Nasal septum deviation symptoms

• Headaches,
• Sinus Infections,
• Bleeding of nose,
• Facial pain,
• Anosmia (loss of sense of smell),
• A tendency to sleep on one side

Diagnosis

A medical doctor will start by inquiring about the symptoms. Doctors will examine the patient physically, which will include a careful inspection of the nose. They will examine the nose's exterior surface. By flashing a strong light into your nostrils, they can also see inside the nose. One could visit a specialist like a cosmetic surgeon or a doctor for the ears, nose, and throat.

Treatment

Most patients don't need deviated septum treatment since their symptoms are either non-existent or mild.

The sort of deviation will determine whether treatment is required; if the deviation is milder with fewer symptoms, there isn't a need for treatment. The ear, nose, and throat physician perform a septoplasty if there is a mechanical obstruction and breathing difficulties. This surgery involves moving the septum to the middle of the nose or straightening it. A cautious approach to septal surgery is also used on children with DNS.

Procedure for Septoplasty

A septoplasty is usually a one- two hour procedure. The patient gets discharged from the hospital within the same day.

Three major steps of a septoplasty are as follows:

• Providing Anesthesia: The doctor uses local and general anesthesia to make sure the patient is comfortable. Local anesthesia numbs that particular area where septoplasty has to be done. Anesthesia allows the patient to sleep during the whole procedure.
• Repairing: After the doctor separates the membrane that covers the septum and then the doctor removes the cartilage and bone that is deviated. Then the doctor replaces the membranes and sutures them all together with stitches.
• Covering and Bandaging: The surgeon may cover your nose with gauze. Sometimes bandages are also used outside the nose depending upon the surgery.

Prevention

Some people are born with a deviated septum. It can't be prevented whereas, people who have a deviated septum at birth can take steps to reduce the risk of injury.

Some of the ways to prevent DNS are:

• Wearing a face mask or a helmet during sports such as football or karate.
• Using a seat belt while driving a car.
• Avoiding high-contact sports.