If you’re one of the estimated 80% of Americans who suffer from a deviated septum, you know that it can be pretty miserable. A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum (the thin piece of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils) is crooked or off-center. While several conditions can cause a deviated septum, the two most common are fracture of the septum and an overgrowth of tissue on one side or both sides of the nose. If you have a deviated septum, you may experience difficulty breathing through your nose, chronic sinus infections, snoring, and even sleep apnea. Therefore, you should see a doctor specializing in treating deviated septum in New York for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

There are several causes of a deviated septum, but the two most common are fracture of the septum and an overgrowth of tissue on one side or both sides of the nose. A deviated septum can also be caused by congenital disabilities, nasal surgery, or other injuries to the nose. Sometimes, the exact cause of a deviated septum is never found.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a deviated septum can vary depending on how much the deviation obstructs the airflow, but there are several consistent symptoms associated with this disorder. These include chronic nasal congestion or sinus infections, difficulty breathing through your nose, snoring, and sleep apnea. If you have any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor specializing in treating deviated septum in New York for diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss whether or not you should see a specialist. A deviated septum usually becomes noticeable around puberty, but it can rarely be diagnosed in a child.

Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available for correcting a deviated septum, but the most common is through a surgery known as septoplasty. During this procedure, the doctor will straighten and smooth out your nasal septum so that you can breathe without obstruction. This procedure is typically a safe and effective way of correcting a septal deviation. Other treatment options include using a special balloon to correct the problem. This device is inserted through your nose and then inflated to straighten out your nasal passages.

In some cases, you may not need any medical intervention at all. In these cases, you can use over-the-counter nasal strips to open up your airways and relieve some of the symptoms. You may also want to try saline sprays or nasal rinses to flush out any bacterial infections that could be causing the problem. If your deviated septum is especially severe, it is best to seek consultation with a specialist who can help you manage the pain and discomfort.

To summarize, a deviated septum refers to a condition where the nasal septum is crooked or off-center. The most common causes of a deviated septum are fractured septum and tissue overgrowth. Symptoms often range from nasal congestion to sinus infections and difficulty breathing through the nose. Most diagnoses happen during puberty. Most cases are treated through septoplasty.