Whether you were born with a deviated septum or it developed after an injury, the off-center cartilage that separates your nostrils may affect breathing. At ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA, the board-certified otolaryngologists offer many effective treatments for a deviated septum, including surgery to improve breathing. Call the office in Sewickley, Beaver/Vanport Township, Seven Fields, or Ohio Valley in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, or schedule an appointment online today.
A deviated septum means the cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils in your nose is off-center. When off-center, one nostril may be smaller than the other.
With a severe deviation, the septum may block one nostril, making it harder to breathe through your nose. A severely deviated septum may also increase your risk of developing infections.
Deviated septums are common, affecting up to 80% of people. You may be born with the off-center nasal cavity, or it may occur after a traumatic injury involving your nose or face.
Most people only have a mildly deviated septum and may not have any symptoms at all. However, severe deviations may affect breathing and cause problems such as:
A severely deviated septum may also affect the look and shape of your nose.
When you visit ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA for a deviated septum consultation, you can expect a thorough exam. The team reviews your symptoms and may evaluate your nose using a special scope that allows them to look at the back of your nasal cavity.
The team may also perform imaging tests to assess the nasal passages and determine the best course of action.
Treatment for a deviated septum depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have no symptoms, you may not need any treatment at all.
Medical treatment for mild to moderate deviated septum symptoms may include nasal decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays.
For a severely deviated septum, the ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA team may recommend septoplasty.
During this procedure, your surgeon separates the membrane covering the bone and cartilage in your nose and removes the deviated portion to improve nasal spacing, breathing, and appearance.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home the same day. You can expect to have a nosebleed and soreness for a few days; most patients return to normal in a week. Full recovery may take a few months.
If you have problems breathing through your nose, call ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA or schedule a consultation online today.
