DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM
What is a deviated septum?
The septum, a slender piece of cartilage, acts as a partition between the left and right nostrils within your nose. Ideally, it should be centrally positioned. However, in some cases, it might shift or become misaligned, leading to a condition known as a deviated septum. This not only alters the aesthetic of your nose but can also obstruct your airway if the deviation is severe, hindering your ability to breathe properly.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
While a deviated septum might not always result in noticeable symptoms, when they do occur, you may experience difficulties such as nasal blockage, obstruction in one or both nostrils, frequent nosebleeds, and sinus infections. Other issues can include impaired breathing, postnasal drip, and for adults, mouth-breathing during sleep. Infants and young children might exhibit noisy breathing while asleep. This condition could also contribute to chronic sinusitis, sinus-induced headaches, and facial discomfort or pressure. The symptoms associated with your nose can significantly impact your sleep quality.
What is the treatment for a deviated septum?
For patients with a slight deviation and minimal symptoms, treatment often isn’t necessary beyond taking antihistamines or decongestants to alleviate congestion. However, for those experiencing persistent symptoms or a significant deviation, septoplasty is the primary treatment option. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at realigning your septum and centering it within your nose. This operation might involve your doctor trimming, repositioning tissues, or replacing some of the cartilage. If crooked bones cause your deviated septum, the surgeon can adjust the bones and use additional cartilage to secure them in their new position.
What should I expect after surgery?
You’ll receive specific, individualized instructions to follow after your septoplasty. During recovery, you’ll probably need to avoid strenuous activities, sleep with your head elevated, and ignore the need to blow your nose. It usually takes a few days for your swelling to go down, but you should be back to work or school within a week. The cartilage and bones inside your nose heal gradually. The tissues should stabilize in 3-6 months, but they can continue to heal for about a year. If your deviated septum causes symptoms, give us a call to schedule an appointment.