Deviated Septum Specialist

What is a deviated septum?

A deviated septum develops when the thin wall between your nasal passages isn’t in the correct position. You may be born with a deviated septum or it may have occurred as a result of trauma to your nose.

In some cases, a deviated septum develops over time as the result of age-related changes in the structures of your nose.

When the septum, which is made up of bone and cartilage, is off-center, it narrows one of your nasal passages and makes it difficult for you to breathe easily. You may also be susceptible to frequent nosebleeds because airflow can dry out your nasal cavity.

What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?

A deviated septum can cause blockages that make it difficult for you to breathe through your nose, especially if you have a sinus infection or a cold.

Common side effects of a deviated septum include:

• Snoring
• Facial pain
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty sleeping

You should schedule an evaluation with the team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. if you can’t find relief from nasal congestion with over-the-counter medications or other home therapies.

How is a deviated septum treated?

Your Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. provider first confirms if you have a deviated septum during a physical exam. They then create a treatment plan based on your needs.

Initially, you may benefit from over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines to reduce nasal inflammation. However, you may still need surgery to correct the position of your septum.

Surgery to repair your septum is known as a septoplasty. During this procedure, your surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques to straighten and reposition your septum in the center of your nose. This may involve cutting away excess tissue to ensure proper positioning.

Following surgery, you should be able to breathe easier. However, if you have underlying allergies that cause sinus inflammation, you may still need to take medications to keep your nasal passages open.

To find out if you’re a candidate for surgery to repair a deviated septum, call the Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. office nearest you or request an appointment online today.