Do you find yourself always feeling like you have nasal congestion? Does your nose always seem to be running twelve months out of the year? Could it be a deviated septum? Let’s explore common signs that may indicate you have a deviated septum.
What is a deviated septum?
The septum in your nasal cavity consists of a slender tissue of cartilage that divides your two nostrils. If this structure is not perfectly centered, exhibits curvature, or undergoes other misalignments, it can lead to issues with breathing discomfort.
Many people are born with a deviated septum, but others can acquire it from an injury or from playing contact sports. Some develop it as they grow and the tissue slowly leans to one side.
What are common signs of a deviated septum?
It is estimated that approximately 80% of adults have some form of septal misalignment without necessarily being aware of it. However, when a deviated septum is particularly pronounced, it has the potential to obstruct one side of the nose, diminishing airflow and causing various complications.
Common signs of a deviated septum include the following:
- Nasal congestion (with one side feeling more congested than the other)
- Trouble breathing
- Chronic sinus infections
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Noisy breathing
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
Try doing a simple self-examination. Observe the top of your nose and trace the line—Is it consistently straight, or does it show a noticeable curve?
If your experiencing symptoms or notice issues with your visual test, we encourage you to seek help from an ENT specialist.
How is a deviated septum treated?
If the patient’s symptoms are mild, over-the-counter medications may help to relieve them such as antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and nasal decongestants. Only use the latter for three days in a row or you might trigger rebound congestion.
If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, surgery may be recommended. A septoplasty is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour which reshapes your septum.
Relief from breathing difficulties and persistent sinus infections is within reach – there’s no need to endure these issues any longer.
Schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist if you think you have a deviated septum and want to find out if surgery is right for you.