Nasal septal abscess

An overview of nasal septal abscesses

Nasal septal abscess

A nasal septal abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the nasal septum, the partition between the two nostrils. This condition can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, as it can cause destruction of the septal cartilage and lead to nasal deformity.

Diagram of the nasal septum

Anatomy of the nasal septum

The nasal septum is composed of both bony and cartilaginous parts. The anterior portion is made up of cartilage, while the posterior portion consists of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer. The septum is covered by a mucous membrane that is richly supplied with blood vessels.

Causes

Nasal septal abscesses can occur due to:

• Trauma to the nose, such as a fracture or injury
• Complications from nasal surgery
• Infections, such as those from sinusitis or furunculosis

Symptoms

The symptoms of a nasal septal abscess may include:

• Nasal obstruction
• Pain and tenderness over the nose
• Swelling of the nasal septum
• Fever and general malaise

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a nasal septal abscess is typically made through:

• Physical examination, revealing a swollen and tender nasal septum
• Nasal endoscopy to visualize the abscess
• Imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the abscess

Treatment

The primary treatment for a nasal septal abscess is surgical drainage. This involves:

• Incision and drainage of the abscess
• Antibiotic therapy to treat any underlying infection
• Possible reconstruction of the nasal septum if there is significant cartilage damage

Complications

If left untreated, a nasal septal abscess can lead to:

• Septal perforation
• Saddle nose deformity
• Spread of infection to surrounding structures, such as the orbital cavity or cranial cavity

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Prompt treatment of nasal injuries
• Careful monitoring after nasal surgeries
• Early treatment of nasal infections

Related pages

• Nasal septum
• Sinusitis
• Nasal fracture