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Deviated Septum
Struggling with chronic congestion, poor sleep, or difficulty breathing through your nose? A deviated septum could be the culprit. Relief is possible with Dr. Shawn Allen, a fellowship-trained ENT specialist who specializes in nasal and sinus disorders who brings over a decade of expertise to even the most challenging cases.
Unlike general ENT doctors, Dr. Allen focuses solely on these conditions, using advanced CT imaging to create treatment plans tailored to your specific anatomy. His unhurried approach ensures you understand your condition and feel confident about your treatment options.
What Is A Deviated Septum?
Your nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your left and right nasal passages. In an ideal world, this wall runs straight down the middle, creating two equal airways. However, when the septum is crooked or displaced to one side, one nasal passage can be much smaller than the other, restricting airflow and causing the frustrating symptoms that bring patients to seek help.
Most people have some degree of septal deviation, but when it’s severe enough to interfere with breathing, sleep, or daily activities, treatment becomes necessary.
Deviated Septum Symptoms
Symptoms of a deviated septum can include some or all of the following:
- Difficulty Breathing: Reduced airflow that forces mouth breathing
- Facial Pain & Pressure: Chronic discomfort around nose and cheeks
- Frequent Sinus Infections: Caused by poor drainage and ventilation
- Nasal Congestion: Persistent stuffiness, often worse on one side
- Nosebleeds: Dryness and irritation in narrowed passages
- Reduced Sense of Smell: Blocked airflow affects smell
- Sleep Disruption: Snoring or sleep apnea from compromised breathing
Common Causes of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum can happen for several reasons—some you’re born with, others develop over time. Here are a few common causes:
- Congenital Development: Some people are born with a slightly off-center septum. This deviation may become more noticeable as the face and nose grow during adolescence.
- Trauma or Injury: A broken nose or even a minor impact, often from sports, falls, or accidents, can shift the septum out of alignment.
- Natural Aging: As we age, cartilage and bone structure changes can gradually worsen an existing deviation, even if it wasn’t a problem earlier in life.
What Are My Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum?
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is the gold standard surgical treatment for deviated septum. This procedure straightens and repositions the nasal septum using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, which allow for precise correction with smaller incisions. Most patients experience significant improvement in breathing within just a few days of surgery.
Turbinate Reduction
A turbinate reduction addresses enlarged nasal turbinates that often contribute to congestion alongside septal deviation. Radiofrequency technology is used to reduce turbinate size while carefully preserving their important functions of filtering, warming, and humidifying the air you breathe.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
For patients who have both a deviated septum and chronic sinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended. This procedure opens blocked sinus passages and improves drainage, providing comprehensive treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously for optimal long-term results.
Conservative Management
Not every deviated septum requires surgery. For patients with mild symptoms or those who prefer non-surgical approaches, conservative treatments such as nasal irrigations, topical medications, or other medical management options can help improve breathing and reduce symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if I have a deviated septum?
Common signs include chronic nasal congestion that is often worse on one side, difficulty breathing through your nose, frequent sinus infections, regular nosebleeds, and snoring. CT imaging and nasal endoscopy provide an accurate diagnosis and assess the severity of deviation.
Can a deviated septum cause sleep apnea?
Yes, a severely deviated septum can contribute to or worsen sleep apnea by forcing mouth breathing and reducing airflow.
What is recovery like after septoplasty?
Most patients return to work within a week and experience significant breathing improvement within just a few days.
Will insurance cover surgery?
Most insurance plans cover septoplasty when it is medically necessary for breathing improvement. Our team will work with you to understand your coverage and obtain necessary pre-authorizations.
How long do results last?
Septoplasty provides permanent structural correction of the deviated septum. Most patients enjoy long-term breathing improvement for many years.
Get Relief From Dr. Shawn Allen
Ready to breathe freely again? Dr. Allen’s specialized expertise and unhurried approach ensure you receive personalized care. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and discover how his fellowship-trained expertise can help you breathe freely, sleep deeply, and live fully.