When it comes to a deviated nasal septum estimates are that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off-center, a condition that is generally not noticed. A deviated septum occurs when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline. As you see in the image here.
What are the Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum?
A deviated septum can be congenital. This means that a person was born with it. It can also occur as a result of an injury to the nose. People often get these injuries from contact sports, fighting, or car accidents. A deviated septum can also worsen with age.
What are the Symptoms of Deviated Nasal Septum?
Most people with a deviated septum have only a minor deviation. Symptoms are unlikely in these cases. Still, possible symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing, especially through the nose
- Having one side of the nose that’s easier to breathe through
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Dryness in one nostril
- Snoring or loud breathing during sleep
- Nasal congestion or pressure
What is the Treatment for Nasal Septum?
For most cases, treatment is not necessary. For a severely deviated septum, surgery called Septoplasty is the common treatment option. There are other treatment options are available. They don’t resolve a deviated septum, but they can lessen the symptoms that accompany it.
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Nasal steroid sprays
- Nasal strips
Surgery may be the recommended treatment if the deviated septum is causing troublesome nosebleeds or recurrent sinus infections.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty takes about 90 minutes and is performed under local or general anesthesia, and is usually done on an outpatient basis.
During the procedure, our surgeons at Melnick, Moffitt and Mesaros cut the septum and take out excess cartilage or bone. This straightens the septum and your nasal passage. Silicone splints may be inserted in each nostril to support the septum. Finally, the incision wound is closed with sutures.
After the surgery, nasal packing is inserted to prevent excessive postoperative bleeding. During the surgery, badly deviated portions of the septum may be removed entirely, or they may be readjusted and reinserted into the nose. If a deviated nasal septum is the sole cause for your chronic sinusitis, relief from this severe disorder will be achieved.
At the practice of Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros ENT Associates have been providing state of the art quality ear, nose, and throat medical and surgical care for more than 20 years. We are dedicated to comprehensive, quality, personal healthcare and diagnosis of ear, nose and throat disorders. If you are looking for an Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor, please contact Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros ENT Associates for a comprehensive consultation.
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