Deviated Septum

What is a deviated septum?

Your septum is the thin piece of cartilage that separates your nasal passages. A deviated septum occurs when this delicate tissue is displaced to one side. You might be born with a deviated septum or you might get one from a broken nose or another injury to your face. 

A deviated septum can increase your risk of sinusitis, disrupt your sleep, and contribute to dry mouth and bad breath.

What are the signs of a deviated septum?

Most patients with deviated septums don’t experience any symptoms at all. However, if the displacement is severe, the condition can interfere with the way air moves through your nose. It can restrict airflow or dry out your sinuses. Some of the signs of a deviated septum include:

• A nasal obstruction that makes it difficult to breathe
• Nosebleeds
• Facial pain
• Noisy breathing while sleeping
• Preferring to sleep on a specific side because its easier to breathe

You might also be aware of your breathing cycle. It’s normal for air to move through one nostril at a time, and the preferred side changes throughout the day. In most cases, you don’t notice the shift; with a deviated septum, you can feel that one side is easier to breathe through.

How is a deviated septum treated?

The team at ENT Specialists begins with an exam to confirm that a deviated septum is the root cause of your symptoms. Then, depending on the severity of your condition and its impact on your health, your doctor creates a customized treatment plan. 

They might prescribe decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays if your condition is relatively mild. However, if you’ve suffered a broken nose due to facial trauma or have a severely displaced septum, your doctor might recommend surgical repair. 

The team at ENT Specialists offers septoplasty to straighten and reposition your septum in the center of your nose. They also provide rhinoplasty to reshape your nose. Your doctor can modify your nose's bone and cartilage to change its shape or size while repairing your septum.

Call ENT Specialists today or make an appointment online if you have disruptive symptoms of a deviated septum.