Individuals with a deviated septum may experience the following symptoms:
Individuals should schedule an appointment with their doctor if they are experiencing frequent nosebleeds, recurring sinus infections or a blocked nostril that doesn’t respond to treatment.
Left untreated, a deviated septum can lead to chronic mouth breathing, dry mouth, congestion in the nasal passages, and disturbed sleep as a result of being unable to breathe through the nose.
Individuals may be born with a deviated septum or they may sustain an injury that causes the nasal septum to move out of place. Injuries may occur during contact sports, automobile accidents, surfing, wrestling, or rough play. A deviated septum may also worsen over time.
Irritation and swelling of the nasal cavities (rhinitis) or sinus cavities (rhinosinusitis) can cause the nasal passage to become even more narrow, resulting in nasal obstruction.
During an initial visit, the physician will ask about symptoms and examine the patient’s nose using a long tube-shaped scope with a light at the tip. The physician may also observe the nasal tissues before and after applying a decongestant spray.
Depending on the patient’s condition, the physician may prescribe decongestants, antihistamines and/or nasal steroid sprays. Decongestants help reduce nasal tissue swelling and may be taken as a pill or nasal spray. Patients should be cautious when using decongestants, as frequent and continued use may lead to dependency and cause symptoms to become worse if they stop using them.
Antihistamines are medications that can help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy or runny nose. However, they may cause drowsiness and affect an individual’s ability to drive and perform other functions that require physical coordination. Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays may be used to help reduce swelling in the nasal passage by improving drainage.
If patients don’t experience relief after taking medication, they may need a septoplasty. During a septoplasty, the surgeon straightens and repositions the septum by cutting and removing parts of the septum. A septoplasty can help alleviate symptoms caused by a deviated septum. However, symptoms caused by allergies will not be cured with surgery.
During a visit with an ENT specialist, patients may be asked the following questions:
