At Southwest Mississippi ENT, we pride ourselves on our specialty in treating nasal septum deviation and addressing the symptoms that often come with it. Common symptoms like nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, and a general feeling of discomfort can be very challenging to manage. As these symptoms accumulate, they can have a negative impact on the way you enjoy your life. We utilize our state-of-the-art technologies combined with our years of experience to tailor personalized treatment plans and help you find relief. Take your health back into your control and schedule a consultation with our team today.
Deviated Septum Treatment in McComb, MS
We Specialize in Nasal Septum Deviation
What is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is an anatomical variation of the nasal septum (the thin walls that separate the nostrils). It means that the nasal septum is shifted to one side. A deviated septum can lead to various symptoms like breathing difficulties, nasal obstruction, and snoring. It also makes a person more susceptible to developing sinus infections. A deviated septum is a common condition and can be present at one’s birth or result from an injury or trauma to the nose. The severity of the symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can impact one’s quality of life. There are several treatment options from medications to surgery that can address this.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
There are a variety of factors that can cause a deviated septum and the most common include:
- Congenital Displacement: A deviated septum can be present from birth or occur during the early stages of fetal development.
- Injury or Trauma: An injury or trauma to the nose and surrounding area (like breaking your nose) can cause a deviated septum.
- Aging: Aging can cause changes to one’s physical appearance, including the nasal structure.
What are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
A variety of symptoms can present due to a deviated septum. While these symptoms will vary from one person to another, the most common symptoms include:
- Nasal Congestion: The most common symptom of a deviated septum is nasal congestion. A blockage in one or two nostrils makes breathing difficult, which can be very uncomfortable.
- Snoring and Sleep Disturbances: A deviated septum can disrupt one’s airflow, causing noisy breathing patterns and snoring during sleep. This can disrupt not only your sleep but also your partner’s.
- Recurrent Sinus Infections: Disrupted airflow and nasal congestion is the perfect breeding ground for inflammation and frequent sinus infections.
How is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed and Treated?
An ENT specialist can diagnose a deviated septum after a thorough physical examination. An instrument called a nasal endoscope will be used to assess the patient’s nasal passages. Their medical history and the severity of their symptoms will also be considered to ensure an accurate diagnosis, allowing your care provider to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Deviated septum treatment varies depending on one’s condition. Mild cases may be easily managed with medications like nasal corticosteroid sprays and decongestants. These can help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort. On the other hand, more severe cases of a deviated septum may require more aggressive interventions. A surgical procedure like septoplasty may be recommended. This procedure will straighten the displaced septum, encouraging improved mucus drainage and airflow.
What Happens After a Deviated Septum Surgery?
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure that can correct the misalignment of the nasal septum. The procedure enhances airflow and gets rid of other associated symptoms. The procedure begins by making incisions inside the nose to give the doctor access to the septum. From the opening, your doctor will reposition the septum in its anatomically correct position. Recovery times vary and there might be some mild side effects including temporary nasal congestion, bruising, and swelling. After the patient heals and recovers, they can enjoy symptom relief and improved breathing. This enhances the patient’s overall nasal function.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A DEVIATED SEPTUM SURGERY?
A deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that will correct the misaligned septum and offer relief from the symptoms one carries. It’s an outpatient procedure and typically takes one to two hours, allowing patients to get the procedure and go home on the same day. After the procedure, patients get to enjoy enhanced airflow and breathing.
During the procedure, your care provider will make an incision inside the nose. From there, they will reposition the septum and bring it back to the center of the nose. Patients will experience relief from breathing difficulties and nasal congestion. The recovery period will vary per patient and there may be temporary side effects including bruising and swelling in the surgery area and nasal congestion. Once these side effects subside, the patient will get to enjoy improved nasal function.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A DEVIATED SEPTUM SURGERY?
A deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that will correct the misaligned septum and offer relief from the symptoms one carries. It’s an outpatient procedure and typically takes one to two hours, allowing patients to get the procedure and go home on the same day. After the procedure, patients get to enjoy enhanced airflow and breathing.
During the procedure, your care provider will make an incision inside the nose. From there, they will reposition the septum and bring it back to the center of the nose. Patients will experience relief from breathing difficulties and nasal congestion. The recovery period will vary per patient and there may be temporary side effects including bruising and swelling in the surgery area and nasal congestion. Once these side effects subside, the patient will get to enjoy improved nasal function.
Contact Southwest Mississippi ENT Today
At Southwest Mississippi ENT, we are committed to providing comprehensive treatment that alleviates symptoms associated with a deviated septum. It is our goal to help our patients breathe better and take back control of their lives. If you want to breathe freely and comfortably, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts. Schedule an appointment with us today and start your journey towards healthier sinuses.
