Causes and Symptoms of Deviated Septums
Nov 29, 2018
The nasal septum is located in between the nostrils and separates the two airways for optimal airflow. The majority of adults have some deviation of the septum, which may lead to difficulty with breathing. Not every case of a deviated septum will require surgery, but it may be time to consider septoplasty when breathing difficulties are impacting your daily life. Dr. Zadeh is a prominent ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon in Los Angeles and can improve airflow in your nose to reduce unpleasant symptoms of a deviated septum.
Your septum is composed of a thin layer of bone and cartilage in between your nostrils. Ideally, that separation is straight, and your airways are unobstructed, but the majority of people will experience some level of deviation.
One or both of your nostrils can be partially blocked when the septum is misshapen. In some cases, treatment is unnecessary. In more severe cases, the imbalance can make breathing difficult, which leads to a range of symptoms, impacting quality of life.
Some people are born with a deviated septum when the bone and cartilage grow unusually. Other people can develop a deviation after injury or other trauma to the nose. Some risk factors include playing contact sports or other high-impact activities where the nose can be hurt. Car accidents or other trauma can lead to damage and improper healing, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. See a medical professional after injuring your nose to make sure it is stabilized and decrease the chances of developing a deviation.
Some symptoms of a deviated septum may seem insignificant but pay attention to persistent problems and seek help before more serious problems occur. You may have a deviated septum if you experience:
Obstructed breathing during sleep can also lead to sleep apnea, a serious condition that can cause a person to stop breathing during sleep. This disturbance can interrupt sleep and cause constant fatigue. If you experience any symptoms of a deviated septum, it may be time to consider treatment with renowned Los Angeles ENT specialist Dr. Mani Zadeh.
There are several treatments available for a deviated septum. Mild cases may only require non-surgical treatments to mitigate symptoms and make life more comfortable. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal corticosteroid sprays can ease the impact of symptoms on your daily life. Surgery may be necessary when a more severely deviated septum causes breathing or sleeping problems.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated septum and clear obstructed airways. The surgery is performed entirely within the nostrils, so no incisions (or resulting scars) are placed on the visible area of the nose. Tissue and bone can be altered or removed to straighten the septum. Dr. Zadeh’s advanced, minimally-invasive techniques will allow you to return home the same day.
A deviated septum can impact many areas of your daily life and lead to loss of sleep and other issues. It takes a talented ENT surgeon like Dr. Mani Zadeh to alleviate your symptoms and improve airflow with precise and safe corrections in a customized septoplasty. He is a board-certified otolaryngologist who is renowned in the field for his advanced techniques and innovative technologies. As the leading ENT specialist in Los Angeles, you can trust Dr. Zadeh to improve your quality of life by fixing your deviated septum.