ANALYSIS OF SEPTAL DEVIATION AND NASAL VALVE COLLAPSE; DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN

Introduction: Septal deviation is a common cause of nasal obstruction, present in up to 80% of the general population. Aims and objective: The main objective of the study is to assess the septal deviation and nasal valve collapse; diagnosis and management in Pakistan. Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Islam Dental College, Sialkot during March 2019 to November 2019. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The survey was divided into the following areas: diagnosis, management, and prognosis. All questions were mandatory, and additional responses could be added if required. Results: Eighty-six otolaryngologists responded to our survey from a total of 489 invitations (18%). Respondents were General Otolaryngologists, Facial Plastics and Reconstruction Surgeons (FPRS), and Rhinologists, with the majority having less than 10 years of experience. Type of practice was evenly distributed between community, office and hospital. Conclusion: It is concluded that NVC is an important concern for otolaryngologists performing septoplasty. Although most physicians indicate a moderate effectiveness of the physical exam, diagnostic procedure for NVC is variable