If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from a deviated septum, you know how disruptive it can be to your life. A deviated septum is a congenital disability that causes the nasal septum (the cartilage and bone in your nose that separates your nostrils) to be crooked. This can lead to difficulty breathing, snoring, and other problems. Seeking guidance from an ENT specialist is crucial if you suspect it could be a deviated septum. Book an appointment with Matthew W. Shawl MD. If you have trouble with your deviated septum, here are some key things to know.
Table of Contents
Understanding Deviated Septum
The term “deviated septum” refers to the displacement of the nasal cartilage, which divides your nose into two parts. A deviated septum occurs when one or both sides of the cartilage are displaced outwards (away from each other).
This may occur naturally as you age, or an injury may cause it to your nose. If left untreated, a deviated septum can lead to many health complications such as chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea due to obstruction of airflow through the nose during respiration.
Which Symptoms Can I Expect?
Common symptoms of a deviated septum include difficulty breathing through your nose, chronic sinus infections, snoring, and headaches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The most common treatment for a deviated septum is surgery to correct the displacement of the nasal cartilage. If your condition is severe enough, you may need to undergo surgery before it progresses into a more serious health complication like sleep apnea or chronic sinusitis.
What Are the Primary Causes?
Several deviated septum causes include trauma from an accident during childhood (broken nose), heredity, and congenital disabilities. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe you may have a deviated septum, it is essential to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The most common treatment for this condition involves surgery to correct the displacement of the nasal cartilage, which will allow air to flow through your nose correctly again without obstruction.
Are There Effective Treatments Available?
If you have a deviated septum, many treatments are available to help alleviate your symptoms. The most common treatment is surgery, where the nasal cartilage that divides your nose into two parts (left and right) will be straightened out, so it no longer obstructs airflow through your nostrils. If your condition is severe, you may need to undergo surgery before it becomes a more serious health complication. Here are two main procedures which work:
- This is the most common surgery to correct a deviated septum. The surgeon will straighten out the nasal cartilage, so it no longer obstructs airflow through your nostrils.
- This procedure combines septoplasty with rhinoplasty (nose job). Your surgeon will straighten out the nasal cartilage and reshape your nose simultaneously so that it looks better aesthetically.
If you suffer from a deviated septum, it cannot be easy to breathe and sleep efficiently. But there are many treatments available, including surgery, that will help alleviate your symptoms. It is essential to see an ENT specialist who specializes in correcting severe issues with breathing through one nostril due to a deviated septum.
