A deviated septum is a malformation of the nose in which the septum, or the bone and cartilage which separates the nasal cavity, is crooked, off-center, or damaged in some way. While it is estimated that up to 80% of people have some form of misalignment in their septum, severely deviated septums can cause major issues with breathing and oftentimes require surgery to be treated.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
Many people are born with a deviated septum, whereas others develop this condition after suffering an injury to the nose. Trauma to the nose most commonly occurs during participation in contact sports, roughhousing, childhood injuries, automobile accidents, or other types of accidents involving a severe impact to the head. In some cases, a deviated septum may be worsened over time by the natural aging process.
A deviated septum can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms, including:
- Nosebleeds
- Facial pain
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Sleep apnea
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
Medication can sometimes treat a mildly deviated septum, though this is not always an effective or permanent solution. Surgical treatment known as septoplasty can be performed to remove excess bone and cartilage and realign the septum, allowing for equal space between the two nasal passages and promoting clearer air flow.
Suffer From a Deviated Septum? Call (954) 883-9449
If you or a loved one are tired of suffering constant discomfort due to a malformation in your septum, Dr. Lee M. Mandel, MD, FACS at Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, Inc. can provide the high-quality care you need to improve your quality of life. As a nationally renowned expert in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Mandel can correctly diagnose your condition and help you achieve the relief.
Contact us online today for more information about our cutting-edge sinus treatments.
