Doctor examining a man's deviated septum

Blocked Nose & Deviated Septum

Is your nose constantly blocked? Stuffy noses are common, whether from a cold or from allergies. If your nose seems stuffed all the time you may have a deviated septum.

A deviated septum is a condition that affects between 70% and 80% of people. In most cases, it is not harmful and does not cause symptoms, though in others it can have a severe impact on your quality of life.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is the bone and cartilage that divide your nose in half. It is referred to as deviated when it is crooked or significantly off to one side or the other, which can make breathing very difficult. Most cases of a deviated septum are caused by some sort of facial trauma, such as a broken nose, though in other cases the defect can be present from birth and is a result of the cartilage simply growing in crookedly.

What Are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?

Woman holding her nose because of problems caused by her deviated septum

There are several symptoms that can manifest from a deviated septum. In moderate or severe cases, you will notice difficulty breathing, especially if you are suffering from a cold or allergies. This can lead to sinus infections, postnasal drip, and constant nasal congestion.

You may also notice that you have trouble sleeping or wake your partner up throughout the night due to your snoring. In fact, a deviated septum may lead to sleep apnea, which is a potentially deadly condition that causes you to stop breathing while you are asleep.

Do I Need Surgery for a Deviated Septum?

With a very simple, in-office exam we will evaluate whether surgery is really necessary. Using a small instrument and light, we can evaluate how misaligned the septum is. We will also evaluate your quality of life, allergies, and medical history to make a recommendation.

In some cases, surgery may not be necessary. For example, if your main cause of concern is snoring throughout the night and you are nott experiencing the other symptoms, the solution might be as easy as just elevating your head with an extra pillow at night.

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