At Jacksonville Breathe Free, we specialize in treating deviated septums to relieve congestion and breathing difficulties. A deviated septum can contribute to nasal obstruction and may impact daily comfort for some individuals. Our ENT specialists offer personalized treatment options — including minimally invasive procedures — aimed at improving airflow and helping patients find relief from related symptoms. Schedule a consultation with us today and start breathing freely again.
WHAT IS A DEVIATED SEPTUM?
A deviated septum is a fairly common condition that can be present at the time of a person’s birth or develop later after a trauma or injury to the nasal area. It is an anatomical variation where the thin walls separating the nostrils are shifted to one side and not at the center where it should be. A deviated septum can lead to many health concerns like breathing difficulties, snoring, nasal obstruction, and an increased vulnerability to sinus infections.
Patients with a deviated symptom will have varying severity and accompanying symptoms. This will determine the treatment option which can range from medications to surgeries.
WHAT CAUSES A DEVIATED SEPTUM?
A deviated septum can result from a variety of causes including:
- Congenital Displacement: Someone with a deviated septum can develop it from birth. It can also occur during fetal development.
- Injury or Trauma: A trauma or injury to the nose and nasal area can lead to a deviated septum.
- Age-Related Causes: Aging can naturally change nasal structures, with others developing a deviated septum much later in life because of it.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A DEVIATED SEPTUM?
A deviated septum can easily negatively affect a patient’s nasal function and overall health. It presents a variety of symptoms such as:
- Nasal Congestion: Breathing difficulties due to nasal congestion is a very common sign of a deviated septum. Breathing through one or both nostrils can be a challenge as well as maintaining clear nasal passageways. This can be very uncomfortable to patients with a deviated septum.
- Snoring and Disturbances During Sleep: A deviated septum often disrupts nasal airflow, leading to snoring that can disturb both the patient’s sleep and those around them.
- Recurring Sinus Infections: Nasal congestion and disrupted airflow can often cause sinus congestion and inflammation. This makes patients more susceptible to frequent sinus infections.
DEVIATED SEPTUM: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Deviated septum diagnosis involves an ENT doctor using a nasal endoscope. This instrument will help assess the patient’s nasal passages. To properly diagnose the patient, the ENT doctor will also look into and assess the patient’s medical history and current symptoms. The appropriate course of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.
Mild cases will benefit from medications like decongestants and nasal corticosteroid sprays. These treatment options will alleviate the symptoms and the discomfort that come along with the condition.
For more severe cases of deviated septum, septoplasty surgery may be recommended. This procedure aims to correct the septum’s deviation, restoring it to the center of the nose and improving nasal airflow and breathing.
Deviated Septum Diagnosis and Treatment
An ENT professional will help examine and diagnose a deviated septum. Often, the doctor will use a nasal endoscope to assess the patient’s nasal passages. The severity of the symptoms and the patient’s medical history will determine the right course of treatment that is unique for each patient.
Mild cases of a deviated septum may be managed with medications like decongestants or nasal sprays while more severe cases may require surgical intervention to relieve discomfort. One of these surgical interventions is septoplasty.
Septoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reposition the nasal septum and improve alignment. By addressing septal deviation, the procedure aims to support better nasal airflow and help reduce symptoms such as congestion and breathing difficulties.
Deviated Septum Surgery: What to Expect
A deviated septum surgery, or septoplasty, is a common procedure that will correct a deviated and misaligned septum. This is an outpatient and minimally invasive procedure. It usually takes one or two hours and allows patients to go home on the same day. The procedure is intended to improve airflow and support easier breathing.
During the procedure, the doctor will make an incision inside the nose to reposition the septum and restore it to its correct position. The procedure is designed to address nasal congestion and breathing difficulties by targeting the underlying obstruction. The recovery period will vary from one patient to another. There may be side effects including temporary nasal congestion, bruising, and swelling of the surgery area. Post-recovery, patients often report better nasal airflow and reduced obstruction during daily activities.
Contact Jacksonville Breathe Free Today
Take steps toward easier breathing and greater comfort in daily life by scheduling an appointment with our team of experts at Jacksonville Breathe Free today. We are committed to creating personalized treatment plans designed to address deviated septum concerns and support more comfortable breathing. Make an appointment with us today and start your journey towards a more comfortable way of life.
