How Septoplasty Can Improve Your Breathing and Quality of Life 

A deviated septum is a condition where the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing your nasal passages is off-center. It can cause chronic congestion, difficulty breathing, headaches, snoring, and even sleep apnea. 

Some people are born with this condition, while others may develop it after an injury. In fact, an estimated 80% of people in the United States have a deviated septum to some degree. Many live with symptoms of the condition without knowing the underlying cause. 

Symptoms can range from mildly inconvenient to severely debilitating. While you can manage minor cases with medications like nasal sprays, severe cases often require a septoplasty. 

Mani Zadeh, MD, our board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist, helps patients with deviated septums breathe easier. 

Here, he explains how a septoplasty can help you achieve this. 

What is a deviated septum?

The septum is the wall that separates your left and right nasal passages. Ideally, it should run straight down the center, allowing air to flow freely through both nostrils.

However, when the septum is crooked or out of place, it can block airflow on one or both sides. This misalignment may be so slight that you don’t notice it, or it can be severe enough to cause chronic nasal blockage. 

Over time, it can lead to issues such as:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Frequent sinus infections
• Nasal congestion that doesn’t respond to medication
• Snoring and disrupted sleep
• Nosebleeds
• Facial pain or pressure

People often pay little attention to these symptoms or chalk it up to allergies or sinus problems. Many simply adjust to the discomfort without realizing that a simple procedure like septoplasty is a long-term solution.

What is septoplasty, and how does it work?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens and repositions your septum. While you’re under local or general anesthesia, Dr. Zadeh removes or reshapes the misaligned cartilage and bone. This realignment restores the natural alignment, allows proper airflow through your nose, and relieves your symptoms.

One of the most significant advantages of septoplasty is that it’s a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively quick recovery time. Patients often return to their everyday routines within one to two weeks, breathing easier and feeling better.

How a septoplasty can improve your quality of life

Many patients report life-changing improvements after septoplasty. Some of the most common benefits include:

Improved breathing

A deviated septum can make it feel perpetually stuffed up, even when you’re not sick. After septoplasty, patients often describe a dramatic difference in their ability to breathe through their nose.

Better sleep quality

Snoring and sleep apnea are common symptoms of a deviated septum. Both can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted during the day. A septoplasty resolves these issues, allowing for more restful nights.

Fewer sinus infections

When airflow through your nose is restricted, mucus can build up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Septoplasty helps improve drainage and reduces the frequency and severity of sinus infections.

Better quality of life

After septoplasty, many patients report feeling more energetic, focused, and comfortable daily. They can exercise more efficiently, concentrate better, and even enjoy activities like traveling without worrying about constant congestion.

If you’ve been living with nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, or sleep disruptions, you don’t have to accept these symptoms as usual. A septoplasty is a safe, effective solution that can improve your breathing and quality of life. 

Do you think you might need this procedure? Contact Mani Zadeh, MD, to schedule a consultation today.