Septoplasty
Understanding Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two passages. Ideally, this septum should be straight, allowing for equal airflow through both nostrils. However, many people have a septum that’s displaced to one side, a condition known as a deviated septum.
A deviated septum can occur during fetal development and become more pronounced as the nose grows during childhood and adolescence. It can also result from injury or trauma to the nose. While some people with a deviated septum experience no symptoms, others may face significant breathing difficulties and other complications that affect daily life.
Common symptoms of a deviated septum include:
- Obstruction of one or both nostrils that causes difficulty breathing
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Recurring sinus infections
- Facial pain or headaches
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Awareness of the nasal cycle (normal alternating congestion between nostrils)
- Preference for sleeping on a particular side to optimize breathing
When these symptoms become persistent or severe, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the structural abnormality and restore proper nasal function.
Benefits of Septoplasty
Patients who undergo septoplasty at Premier Head and Neck Surgery often experience significant improvements in their quality of life. The benefits of this procedure include:
- Improved nasal breathing and airflow
- Reduced nasal congestion and obstruction
- Decreased frequency and severity of sinus infections
- Reduction in snoring and improved sleep quality
- Diminished nasal dryness and crusting
- Reduced frequency of nosebleeds
- Relief from facial pain and pressure
- Enhanced effectiveness of nasal medications for allergies or other conditions
By restoring proper nasal function, septoplasty can alleviate chronic breathing difficulties and associated symptoms, allowing you to breathe more freely and comfortably through your nose.