Do you constantly find it hard to breathe through your nose? Are you always suffering from congestion? Many different conditions can cause frequent congestion but one of the most common is a deviated septum. A deviated septum is when the cartilage that divides the nasal passages is misshapen or crooked. Not all deviated septums require repair but patients with constant congestion or difficulty breathing may be recommended for treatment.
Do I Have a Deviated Septum?
Some symptoms you may experience with a deviated septum include:
- Sinus Pressure
- Sinus Infections
- Postnasal Drip
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Snoring
- Trouble Breathing
Oftentimes, patients don’t even know they have a deviated septum. They choose to go see an ENT because of their chronic sinus problems or congestion only to find out that the cause is a deviated septum. Some people are born with deviated septums and some get them through injuries. We will offer non-surgical options to solve your congestion and only recommend surgery if it is absolutely necessary. Nasal steroid sprays are the most common treatment option.
If medication and other treatments aren’t providing you with any relief then surgery may be recommended. You may also need surgery if your deviated septum makes it almost impossible to breathe.
A septoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that we use to correct a deviated septum. During the procedure, excess cartilage and bone will be removed from the septum to correct the alignment. The whole procedure takes about 1-2 hours.
If you suffer from congestion and think it may be from a deviated septum, Hillcrest ENT can provide you with a proper medical examination.