How is it Diagnosed?
Nasal framework abnormalities can be congenital or acquired due to trauma, surgery, or
infection, and are diagnosed through clinical evaluation, imaging, and endoscopic
examination. Symptoms may include nasal obstruction, snoring, mouth breathing,
recurrent sinusitis, facial asymmetry, or cosmetic dissatisfaction.
A thorough patient history is taken to identify onset, duration, trauma history, prior
surgeries, and functional impairment. Physical examination includes inspection of
external nasal symmetry and palpation for deformities or tenderness. Anterior
rhinoscopy allows evaluation of the internal nasal structure, including septal deviation,
turbinate hypertrophy, or collapse of the nasal valve.
For deeper evaluation, nasal endoscopy using a flexible or rigid scope is often employed
to assess internal structures in detail, including mucosal health and sinus drainage
pathways. To evaluate the bony and cartilaginous architecture, imaging studies are vital.
A CT scan of the paranasal sinuses provides a comprehensive view of the nasal
skeleton, septum, and any associated sinus pathology, and is particularly useful for
surgical planning.
Photographic analysis may be used for preoperative planning in cosmetic cases.
Functional assessments such as acoustic rhinometry or rhinomanometry can be
performed to quantify airflow and resistance. Diagnosis often involves collaboration
between ENT specialists and plastic or maxillofacial surgeons, especially when
functional and aesthetic considerations overlap.