The septum is the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal cavity. When the septum is off-center, it is said to be deviated. A deviated septum can cause problems such as difficulty breathing, congestion and headaches. In many cases that this occurs, the deviated septum is corrected with surgery.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
There are many potential causes of a deviated septum, including:
- Being present at birth (congenital)
- Birth complications
- Connective tissue disease
- Changes during growth
- Sports injuries
- Falls
- Car accidents
- Other trauma to the nose
What Are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
In addition to the physical signs of a deviated septum, symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Noisy breathing
- Nasal congestion
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
How Is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?
An ENT physician at ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons can diagnose a deviated septum by performing a physical exam of the inside and outside of your nose and asking you questions about your symptoms.
How Is a Deviated Septum Treated?
In most cases, treatment for a deviated septum is not necessary. However, it may be recommended if you experience severe symptoms. The treatment for a deviated septum is a surgical procedure known as a septoplasty.
There are three main steps for this outpatient procedure:
- Anesthesia. First, your ENT physician will administer either local or general anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable.
- Repair. Next, the physician will separate the membrane that covers the septum. They will then remove any cartilage and bone that is deviated. Finally, they will replace the membrane and stitch it back together.
- Bandaging. Before sending you home, the physician will pack your nose with gauze and apply bandaging to the outside.
What Is Recovery from a Septoplasty Like?
Because a septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, you’ll be able to go home the same day, assuming there are no complications. Your nose may be bruised, swollen and sore for several weeks, and you may experience discomfort when breathing through your nose. During this time, you’ll take medications to help with pain and to prevent infection that you can pick up from a local pharmacy.
For more information about a deviated septum or to schedule an appointment with an ENT expert, call ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today.
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