Your nose is divided into two nostrils by your septum. If the septum leans into one, or both, nostrils, it is a deviated septum. This is a problem because it can make it hard to breathe through the nose and can aggravate sinus problems, snoring and headaches. Most of these septal deviations are the result of minor birth trauma, but the continuous growth of the septal cartilage causes this problem to get more severe with time. These deviations can also result from nasal fractures.
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Snoring
- Bad breath
- Sinus infections
- Ear "fullness" or blockage
- Nosebleeds
If you have any of these symptoms, contact our office.
If the deviated septum is causing significant symptoms, a simple procedure called septoplasty can be performed in about 10-15 minutes with our experienced sinus surgeons. This used to be a very difficult surgery, however, we usually perform this in the office using intravenous sedation and most patients are back to work within one to two days. We do not use uncomfortable packing or splinting in the nose.
If you'd like more information about what is involved in a septoplasty procedure and if it can help you with your sinus issues, request a sinus consult below: