Deviated Septum
This condition occurs when the bone and cartilage dividing the nasal cavity are crooked or off-center. While mild cases may not need treatment, a severe deviation can lead to issues such as chronic congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent sinus infections, allergy complications, and reduced breathing efficiency during exercise.
What Causes A Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum often develops during fetal growth or at birth, but it can also result from injury, trauma to the nose, or the natural weakening of cartilage in the nasal tip that occurs with aging.
How Are Deviated Septums Treated?
If the deviation is mild, it can often be managed with medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation and congestion. For more severe cases or when medication isn’t effective, a septoplasty—a surgical procedure to straighten and reposition the septum—may be recommended.
Nasal Septoplasty
During a septoplasty, a surgeon straightens and repositions the bent cartilage and bone of the septum. This procedure can significantly improve breathing and may also help reduce nosebleeds, sleep apnea, sinus infections, and snoring caused by a deviated septum.
