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Up to 80% of people have a deviated septum today. Usually, a mildly deviated septum doesn’t cause serious issues — but a moderate-to-severe deviated septum can cause a nasal obstruction that limits your breathing. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, it’s time to see an expert at Lake Grove ENT. The dedicated ENT doctors offer personalized care at their Lake Oswego, Oregon, office, so book your visit online or call for help now.
What is a deviated septum?
Your nasal septum is the thin panel of tissue that separates your two nasal cavities. But, up to 80% of adults have an out-of-position nasal septum, also known as a deviated septum. The deviation can vary from very mild to severe displacement.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
Mild septal deviation rarely causes noticeable symptoms. But, with moderate-to-severe septal deviation, you can experience nasal symptoms that interfere with your normal activities. Some common issues can include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Nasal congestion, often on one side
- Mucus in throat (postnasal drip)
- Recurring sinus infections
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Nosebleeds
Children with a deviated septum may breathe loudly while asleep. Adults often sleep with their mouths open, which leads to snoring.
What causes a deviated septum?
Trauma to the nose is a common cause of septal deviation. But, the cause isn't always known. Many people have deviated septums from early in life with no clear cause.
How do you diagnose a deviated septum?
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam. Your Lake Grove ENT specialist can diagnose septal deviation in the front part of your nose during an exam, but to view the back part of your nose, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy or sinus CT scan.
In a nasal endoscopy, your doctor numbs your nose and then views your inner nasal passages using a slender endoscope. A CT scan produces highly detailed images of your sinuses. Lake Grove ENT offers same-day nasal CT scans in the office.
These advanced visualization techniques allow your doctor to accurately diagnose septal deviation so they can advise you on the best treatment options.
What is the best treatment for a deviated septum?
Non-surgical approaches like oral medication and immunotherapy can relieve and manage the symptoms of a deviated septum. But, nonoperative care can't correct the structural problem inside your nose.
If you have severe symptoms due to septal deviation and conservative care doesn't work, your doctor might recommend septoplasty.
Septoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure in which your doctor repositions your septum. They may remove some septal tissue, as well. If needed, your doctor may also perform sinus surgery at the same time.
Lake Grove ENT has deviated septum solutions to end your symptoms quickly. Book an appointment by scheduling online or calling the office now.