Deviated Septum

 

Understanding and Treating a Deviated Septum

Wondering if a deviated septum could be causing your breathing problems? Curious about symptoms and treatment options? Find the answers to these questions and discover when surgery may be necessary.

A deviated septum is a common condition that can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, and nasal blockages. However, with the help of an experienced ENT specialist, symptoms of a deviated septum can be managed, and quality of life improved.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal cavity is split laterally by the septum, a thin wall of bone and cartilage. Whenever this wall between nasal cavities shifts significantly off-center, it’s called a deviated septum. While no one’s alignment is perfectly centered, a severe shift in position can lead to many symptoms and, if left untreated, complications.

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

  • Nasal Blockages: Blockage of one or both nostrils, impacting breathing.
  • Frequent Nosebleeds: Deviations cause the surface of the septum to be drier than usual, leading to more frequent nosebleeds.
  • Facial Pain: Often occurring on one side of the face, deviated septums can cause pain and pressure.
  • Noisy Breathing: One of the more common symptoms is loud breathing, especially when sleeping.
  • Sleep Position Preference: A favored sleeping position or side that improves breathing.

These symptoms can affect the quality of your daily life, and ignoring them can worsen the underlying condition.

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

Deviated septums can have many causes, but the most common are:

  • Birth defects
  • Trauma or injury
  • Sinus and nasal infections
  • Surgery
  • Genetic factors and family history
  • Connective tissue disorders
  • Tumors or growths

Especially for those who develop this condition after an injury, the symptoms of a deviated septum may not be noticeable immediately but become more pronounced and noticeable over time. As this condition can worsen, seeking medical advice as soon as symptoms appear is important.

How Is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed and Treated?

An ENT specialist will perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose and treat this condition, typically with a physical examination of your nose and an endoscope or nasal speculum.

Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum

  • Medication: Treatment often begins with medications that work to manage your symptoms. These can include:
    • Decongestants to help reduce swelling
    • Antihistamines for any allergies contributing to inflammation and congestion
    • Nasal steroid sprays, which reduce inflammation and provide relief

While medications can’t correct the structural issue causing the deviation, they can relieve symptoms.

  • Surgery (Septoplasty): When the symptoms are sufficiently severe, surgery might be a treatment option. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated septum where the surgeon straightens and repositions the septum.In some cases, the surgeon will surgically remove parts of the septum to achieve the optimal alignment.

Because of its minimally invasive nature, septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, with most patients returning home the same day.

What to Expect After Surgery:

  • Recovery: Following surgery, you should expect swelling and discomfort that typically subsides within a few weeks.
  • Breathing: After recovery, many patients experience significant improvements in their breathing and fewer symptoms like snoring and congestion.

At Pinnacle ENT, our team of experts will guide you through this process so that you can make informed decisions about your health and comfort.

It can be a worsening challenge to leave a deviated septum untreated. At Pinnacle ENT, we’re committed to providing personalized, quality care. Don’t let a deviated septum hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and breathe your way to a better quality of life.

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