Deviated Septum – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors usually check for a deviated septum by looking inside your nose. They’ll use a bright light and sometimes a tool to gently open your nostrils.
Sometimes, they’ll use a thin, flexible scope with a light to see deeper into your nasal cavity. Other tests might include:
- Nasal endoscopy uses a slim, tube-like camera to get a close look inside your nasal passages and sinuses. It helps spot blockages, swelling, or other internal issues.
- CT scans (short for computed tomography) are detailed X-ray images that show the structure of your nose and sinuses. These scans help doctors find problems like a deviated septum or chronic sinusitis.
- Rhinoscopy is a simple visual exam of the inside of your nose, using a small mirror or lighted instrument. It’s usually done in the office and helps check for swelling, polyps, or injuries.
They look for symptoms like:
- Nasal obstruction
- Difficulty breathing
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Facial pain
- Chronic sinusitis
Doctors may also gently press on your sinuses or ask you to breathe in and out through each nostril to assess airflow and blockage.
Treatment
Surgical Correction Procedures
Sometimes, medicines like decongestants, antihistamines, or steroid nasal sprays help manage symptoms. But if meds don’t really do the trick, surgery often becomes the main option.
The most common operation is septoplasty. During septoplasty, the surgeon straightens and centers your nasal septum.
They might remove and then replace some cartilage or bone. Sometimes, the procedure involves septal reconstruction or a technique called submucous resection.
In cases where a deviated septum contributes to chronic sinus issues, your doctor might also perform sinus surgery (like balloon sinuplasty) at the same time as septoplasty to improve drainage and airflow.
Changing the Shape of the Nose
Sometimes, doctors perform rhinoplasty—reshaping the nose—along with septoplasty. This can help if you’ve got a crooked nose or blocked nasal passages.
They work on the bone and cartilage to straighten things out and help you breathe better.
Septorhinoplasty combines fixing the septum and changing the nose’s shape. If your nasal valve is narrow or weak, doctors may include nasal valve repair.
In some cases, cartilage grafts from your ear or rib might be used to support weak or collapsed areas in your nasal structure.
What to Expect After Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty can change both the look and function of your nose. Most people notice improved breathing and a different nose shape after healing.
It can take up to a year to see the final results, which feels like a long time, but it’s pretty normal. You might deal with some swelling, bleeding, or infection, but these issues are rare if you choose an experienced healthcare provider.
Most individuals end up happy with how their nose looks and works after everything heals.
Right after surgery, you’ll likely wear a nasal splint or internal stents for a few days to support healing. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity, blowing your nose, or bending over for a while.
Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit
If you’re heading in for an appointment about nasal congestion, snoring, or maybe some breathing issues, it’s always a good idea to walk in prepared.
Most individuals kick things off with their family doctor, though sometimes you’ll get referred to an otolaryngologist—yeah, that’s the ear, nose, and throat specialist.
What to Bring:
- Jot down your symptoms (think blocked nostril, nosebleeds, snoring, or trouble sleeping).
- Bring details about any nose injuries or accidents.
- Make a note of when your congestion or breathing trouble started and what seems to help or make it worse.
- List any past treatments you’ve tried, like decongestant sprays or nasal strips.
- Don’t forget a rundown of your current medications.
Questions Doctors Might Ask:
| Symptom | Example Question |
|---|---|
| Nasal blockage | How long have you had trouble breathing? |
| Side of the nostril | Is one side of your nose harder to breathe? |
| Past injuries | Have you ever hurt your nose? |
| Other conditions | Do you have allergies or sinus infections? |
| Treatment history | Have sprays or strips helped your symptoms? |
Questions to Consider Asking the Doctor:
- What’s actually causing my symptoms?
- Is this from an injury, or is something else going on?
- Are there options besides surgery?
- Will I need to change up my daily routine?
- Should I look into seeing a specialist at Healthnile or visit healthnile.com?
- Does this tie in with things like sleep apnea or sinusitis?
Honestly, writing down your concerns before you go makes it less likely you’ll forget something important. Bring along your list of questions, especially if you’ve dealt with snoring, sleep problems, or nose injuries before.
That way, you’ll get more out of your visit and your doctor can figure out the best next steps for you.
