Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum (the internal dividing wall between the right and left sides of the nose) shifts away from the midline. When the septum is crooked, it causes obstruction of the nasal airways and makes breathing difficult.

What is the Nasal Septum?

The septum is comprised of bone and cartilage and is surrounded on each side by a mucosal lining. This mucosal lining covers and protects the cartilage and bone, and helps to keep the inside of the nose moist. The septum also allows for the direct transit of the air that we breathe in through our nostrils to go directly into the lungs.

What Causes a Septal Deviation?

A deviated septum is usually genetic or random, but may also be the result of injury or trauma to the nose.

What are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?

Nasal congestion is the most common symptom associated with a deviated septum, and this congestion is usually worse on one side, and sometimes occurs on the side opposite the bend. Other symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Recurrent or repeated sinus infections
  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Facial pain
  • Headaches
  • Loud breathing
  • Snoring
  • Mild sleep apnea

For some patients, the crooked septum can interfere with the drainage of the sinuses, resulting in repeated sinus infections.

How is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?

During your consultation, your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor will ask you about your symptoms and if you have ever incurred trauma to your nose or if you have ever had previous nasal surgery. Your doctor will then use a lighted small endoscope to examine the general appearance of your nose, the position of your nasal septum, and inspect the nasal cavity from the front all the way to the adenoid area in the nasopharynx. For some patients, CT scans and allergy testing may also be ordered. If the deviated septum is causing troublesome nosebleeds or recurrent sinus infections, surgery may be the recommended treatment. Surgery would also be recommended if the deviation is determined to be a significant causative factor of your nasal obstruction.

What Causes Nasal Obstruction?

Nasal obstruction refers to some blockage of the nose or nasal cavity. There are many things that can cause nasal obstruction. Allergies, for some patients, can lead to swelling of the nasal and sinus lining, which causes congestion and blockage. For other patients, the blockage may be due to a simple anatomical obstruction, such as an enlarged nasal turbinate, a polyp in the nasal passage, or a deviated septum.

Can a Deviated Septum Be Treated Non-Surgically?

There are a couple of non-surgical options available for patients to help alleviate symptoms associated with a deviated septum. These include Allergy Treatments and Medications:

  • Allergy Treatments can help to decrease the swelling of the lining of the septum and surrounding tissue, thereby decreasing nasal congestion.
  • Medications can also be used to ease symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following, depending on the severity of your symptoms:
    • Antihistamines
    • Decongestants
    • Nasal Antihistamine Sprays
    • Nasal Steroid Sprays

Note, however, that these options do not correct the septal deviation.

How do You Correct a Septal Deviation?

A septoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment to correct a deviated septum and improve breathing. It is a minor, minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure. The procedure can frequently be done in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation. The procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils where the surgeon makes a small incision in the septum and then removes the excess bone or cartilage required to even out the breathing space of the nostrils.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Septoplasty?

A septoplasty procedure is often recommended for patients who have persistent nasal obstruction where the deviated septum is determined to have played a significant role in the symptoms; for patients who have symptoms of nasal blockage and congestion; and for patients who have not responded to medical therapy (prescribed and over-the-counter medications). For these patients, a septoplasty can have a major, positive impact on nasal breathing, congestion, and quality of life.

Septoplasty FAQs

Can Other Procedures Be Combined With a Septoplasty?

A septoplasty can be frequently combined with turbinate reductions, and/or balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. These procedures should not leave any bruising or facial swelling. A septoplasty can also be performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty (nose job), and if this happens bruising and swelling are more common. For patients interested in altering the shape of the nose, Dr. Colin, a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Rhinoplasty expert, is available in our practice to perform these procedures.  Please visit www.DrPero.com for more information about rhinoplasty.

What Are the Benefits of Septoplasty?

If a deviated septum is the sole cause for your chronic sinusitis, you can expect improved nasal breathing and airflow, decreased blockage and congestion, diminished dry mouth, and a more complete, restful sleep. Overall, you will experience relief from your symptoms and improved quality of life.

Can You Eat and Shower Immediately After Surgery?

After surgery, there are no restrictions on eating or bathing. Actually, you may eat whatever you feel like eating.

How Long Do You Need to Take Off From Work?

Many patients typically take several days to a week off from work for recovery. During this time, patients are advised to refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous activity for 1-2 weeks.

How Long Do You Need to Take Off From Work?

Many patients typically take several days to a week off from work for recovery. During this time, patients are advised to refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous activity for 1-2 weeks.

What Can You Expect After a Septoplasty?

After surgery, you may have drainage of some mucus and blood from your nose. This is a normal part of the healing process.

Are Stitches Required?

Sutures may be used to sew the skin incision site and mucosal flaps together at the end of surgery. Frequently, if an incision is made into the mucosa, sutures are not placed. If sutures are placed, they are typically dissolvable and do not require removal.

Is this a Painful Procedure?

You can expect to have mild pain, fatigue, nasal stuffiness, and mild nasal drainage after your surgery. The stuffiness typically results from swelling after the procedure and typically starts to improve after the first week. Most patients find that post-operative pain is easily managed with low-dose narcotic medications, such as Tylenol with Codeine or Tramadol, for 1-2 days. After that, they switch to regular or extra-strength Tylenol and ibuprofen (taken together to control both pain and swelling) for another week or so.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used for this Procedure?

This procedure can be done using a general anesthetic and is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Is Nasal Packing Required?

Many surgeons perform septoplasty without packing or septal splints. If nasal packing is used, it is inserted to prevent excessive postoperative bleeding. Talk to your surgeon about his/her standard practice.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The procedure takes, on average, 1 to 1 ½ hours, depending on the deviation.

Does the Procedure Cause Any Swelling or Bruising to the Face?

If a septoplasty is the only procedure performed, there should be little to no bruising after surgery.

Is this Procedure Recommended for Children and Teens?

A septoplasty procedure is generally recommended for adults 16 years and older. It is generally recommended that a person has completed puberty before a septoplasty is recommended.

If you are having nasal symptoms and think you may have a deviated septum, contact North Dallas ENT at  (214) 382-5100 to schedule a consultation for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

11970 N. Central Expressway
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75243
214-382-5100
Legacy Medical Village
5425 W. Spring Creek Parkway
Suite 145
Plano, TX 75024
214-382-5100

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