Septoplasty FAQ: What Causes a Deviated Septum?
Dec 04, 2016
Deviated septum is a common disorder – so common, in fact, that well more than half of all Americans show signs of septal deviation. The condition is characterized by a nasal septum that is offset to one side or another, creating asymmetry within the wall that runs between your nostrils.
Some deviated septums are plainly visible to others, while others may be contained inside the nose out of sight. Often you can tell if you have a deviated septum by tilting your head back in front of a mirror: if you don’t see a perfectly even set of nostrils, a deviation is to blame.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
Many cases of deviated septum are present at birth, either the product of natural development or a birthing trauma. Often a natural or genetic deviated septum will become more pronounced over time, leading to increased deviation and a proportional rise in the severity of symptoms.
Other cases of deviated septum arise later in life, often as the result of an injury. When a blow to the face or nose knocks your midline out of position, the resulting scar tissue can prevent a return to symmetry, leading to breathing issues and other complications.
What Are the Symptoms Of a Deviated Septum?
Most people who seek help for a deviated septum do so because their symptoms have become bothersome enough to warrant a doctor’s visit. These can include congestion, sinus infections, nosebleeds, or pain in the face. In some cases patients with a deviated septum have trouble sleeping. In other cases a deviated septum may present cosmetic concerns , prompting a desire for more balanced features.
Surgery For a Deviated Septum
The best treatment for a deviated septum is a surgical procedure known as septal surgery, or septoplasty. The procedure can be performed through minimally invasive means, and involves re-centering the midline of your nose and ensuring that the septum heals in a better alignment.
Fix a Deviated Septum
Getting your deviated septum fixed is easier than you might image. At the renowned Los Angeles Sinus Institute, we offer septoplasty to patients from Los Angeles, California, and around the world.