Most of us go through our lives without experiencing major medical problems, but there are certain issues that come up that we didn’t even know were medical issues.
Learning your way around the human body is not something that you spent a lot of time thinking about as a kid, so things like the way your nose works are likely a mystery to you. Because of this, it’s inconvenient when you run into health problems that you didn’t even know were problems.
When it comes to your nasal passage, you have likely heard of a deviated septum, but you might have no idea what it is. Take a look below to learn more about this health issue and determine if you have one. Read on!
What Is Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is a condition in which the tissue that divides the nostrils is off-center or crooked. This can result in difficulty breathing through the nose and an increased risk of sinus infections. Surgery to correct this condition is called septoplasty.
Causes of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is an abnormality of the wall that separates the nostrils. The septum is the bone and cartilage that divides the inside of the nose into two cavities. It occurs when the septum is displaced to one side.
This can cause a blockage of one side of the nose, making it difficult to breathe. It is a common condition, and it is often caused by trauma to the nose, such as from a sports injury, car accident, or a fall.
It can also be caused by birth defects or by the nose growing during puberty.
How a Deviated Septum Diagnosed
It is diagnosed by a physical exam. The doctor will look for a nasal obstruction on one side of the nose. They will also feel for any blockages in the nasal passages.
An endoscope may also look for a nasal septum. This is a thin, flexible tube with a light on the end. It is inserted through the nose and into the sinuses.
Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum
There are several treatment options for a deviated septum, which include minor procedures such as septoplasty and major procedures such as rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a septum deviation, while rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure to change the shape of the nose.
So, if you are having trouble breathing due to a deviated septum or experiencing chronic sinus infections that dont respond to over-the-counter medication, nose surgery for breathing might be the right treatment for you.
Living With a Deviated Septum
Some of the issues that might result from a deviated septum can be very significant. If you or someone you know has this condition, it is important to seek medical help. There are several treatments out there that can help people with this ailment live better lives.
Living with a deviated septum can make breathing difficult and increase your risk of getting a sinus infection or a blocked nose. Surgery can fix it, but it’s a big undertaking. If you are thinking about having surgery, discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor first!
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