Our Summary

This study shows that people with a deviated septum, which can cause breathing problems during the day, often show symptoms that look a lot like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers looked at patients with a deviated septum over a 20-year period, some of whom had ADHD and some of whom did not. They also grouped these patients based on whether they had a surgery called septoplasty to correct the deviated septum.

After accounting for differences in age, gender, and ethnicity, they compared different outcomes related to ADHD, such as behavioral issues, anxiety, broken bones, and substance abuse. The results showed that the surgery reduced the risk for nearly all of these outcomes in patients with a deviated septum, whether they had ADHD or not. However, the surgery had up to a 10 times greater effect for those with ADHD.

In particular, those with ADHD who had the surgery had a significantly lower risk of experiencing depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and addiction. These findings suggest that more research is needed to further investigate the benefits of this surgery for patients with ADHD.

FAQs

  1. What is the connection between a deviated septum and ADHD-like symptoms?
  2. Does a septoplasty surgery help in reducing ADHD outcomes in patients with a deviated septum?
  3. What are the potential benefits of septoplasty surgery for patients with ADHD according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to discuss potential benefits in improving symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research suggests that correcting a deviated septum through septoplasty may reduce the risk of experiencing behavioral issues, anxiety, and other conditions often associated with ADHD. Therefore, it is important for patients with ADHD and a deviated septum to consider the potential benefits of this surgery in improving their overall well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, headaches, and snoring. In some cases, patients with a deviated septum may also experience symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These patients may benefit from septoplasty to improve their overall quality of life and potentially reduce symptoms related to ADHD.

Timeline

Before septoplasty, a patient may experience symptoms related to a deviated septum, such as difficulty breathing, snoring, frequent sinus infections, and facial pain. These symptoms can impact a person’s quality of life and may be associated with other health issues, such as sleep apnea and ADHD-like symptoms.

After septoplasty, a patient can expect to experience improvements in their breathing, reduced snoring, decreased sinus infections, and relief from facial pain. The surgery can also help alleviate symptoms that may be mistaken for ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Patients with ADHD who undergo septoplasty may see a significant reduction in symptoms related to behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. Overall, the surgery can lead to a better quality of life and improved mental health outcomes for patients with a deviated septum, especially those with ADHD.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is septoplasty and how does it help with a deviated septum?
  2. Am I a good candidate for septoplasty?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  4. What is the recovery process like after septoplasty?
  5. How long will it take to see improvement in my breathing after the surgery?
  6. Will septoplasty improve my symptoms of ADHD or any other related conditions?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies I should consider before deciding on septoplasty?
  8. How many septoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. Can you provide me with information on any potential long-term effects of septoplasty?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to optimize the results?

Reference

Authors: Garoosi KB, Hale EW, Getz AE, Kaoutzanis C. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 May 19;11(5):e5008. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005008. eCollection 2023 May. PMID: 37360239