A Simple Self-Test to Determine If You Have a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is not something you can see or diagnose just by looking at one’s nose. Even if you have a nose that looks good and straight from the outside, that is not enough assurance that you don’t have this condition.

CLICK HERE TO START THE TEST

The good news is that there are many ways to determine if you have a deviated septum. If you have breathing and sleeping problems and you want further proof that you have it, you can do a simple test right from the comforts of your own home, without the need for special equipment. Here are the steps you need to do:

Place your index finger on one side of your nose and breathe in air on the nostril that is open.
Do the same thing on the other side of your nose.
While doing steps 1 and 2, check how easy or difficult it was for air to pass through your nostrils.
If your breathing is uneven, or if breathing is more difficult on one side than the other, then chances are you have a deviated septum.

Aside from this self-examination test, there are other tell-tale signs that will indicate that your septum is deviated. If nosebleeds, facial pain, and headaches are something you experience quite often, then there is a very real possibility that you have a deviated septum.

Visiting a Sinus Doctor: Still the Best Way

If your sinus is giving you a lot of trouble, doing a self-diagnosis will simply not suffice. The symptoms associated with a deviated septum are also common with other medical conditions such as allergies and colds. To rule out other possibilities and to know for sure that you have a deviated septum, it is still best to consult with a Los Angeles ENT to make sure you get the correct sinus surgery.

It is better to err on the side of caution by scheduling an appointment here at the Los Angeles Sinus Institute, so that I can have a look at your sinus and determine if you are a candidate for septoplasty. During the initial consultation, I will conduct a thorough physical examination and study your medical history in order to come up with the best treatment plan.

In most cases, surgery will not be required since most people can live with their deviated septum without suffering from complications. However, if the quality of life has been severely impacted by this condition, a minimally invasive surgery may be your best option.

What to Do If Diagnosed with a Deviated Septum

So what is septoplasty? This medical procedure involves making an incision and moving the nasal septum back to a straight line to open up the airways of your nasal cavities, making it easier to breathe. During the process, some of the excess cartilage and bone can also be removed. The procedure can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, and the patient can go home right away and resume normal activities the following day.

If you want your breathing and sleeping routines to return to normal, then septoplasty is something you need to consider if medications and other nasal treatments no longer work.

If you wish to learn more, contact our ear, nose, and throat specialist and schedule a consultation today.