The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone dividing your nostrils into two separate channels. When this septum is crooked or significantly displaced, it is called a deviated septum. A deviated septum can feel like nothing more than a stuffy nose or noisy breathing, but for many people, it is a source of chronic discomfort and health issues. For individuals with deviated septums living in Nashville, the high pollen count and increasing urban pollution can severely impact their quality of life.
This condition can be present at birth or result from injury or trauma. Those who suffer from a deviated septum often experience difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, and recurring sinus infections. Many victims suffering from deviated septums also experience increased snoring, disrupted sleep, facial pains, and chronic headaches. Understanding the risks of ignoring treatment, recognizing when to consult an ENT doctor, and comprehending the available treatment options can significantly enhance your overall health and comfort!
Ready to breathe easier? If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee to schedule a consultation with an experienced ENT doctor in Nashville, TN.
Risks of Ignoring a Deviated Septum
Ignoring symptoms associated with a deviated septum can lead to worsening conditions and increased complications. Deviated septums increase the risk of illness and respiratory complications. Many diagnosed with bronchitis or existing asthma have been known to have untreated deviated septums, which aggravated their condition.
Deviated septums can also affect and increase the risk of other severe health issues. An untreated deviated septum often leads to victims developing sleep apnea, which affects the entire body, including the heart and brain. Sleep apnea due to nasal obstruction can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Protect your long-term health by immediately consulting with an ENT doctor if you regularly experience these symptoms.
Residents of Nashville, TN, seeking relief from their nasal issues should schedule an appointment with the professionals at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee to ensure timely intervention and treatment!
When to See An ENT Doctor
Minor deviations in your septum may be unnoticeable, but substantial misalignments can cause significant health concerns. Many people do not recognize that their nose is misaligned, as they recognize it as a normal aspect of their physical appearance. Common indicators you should visit an ENT doctor include:
Persistent nasal congestion despite frequent use of medication
Chronic sinus infections occur despite cleaning your environment and improving airflow.
Increased difficulty breathing during physical exertion
Regular headaches or facial pain, especially directly behind the eyes,
Loud snoring or frequent symptoms of sleep apnea.
If you regularly experience these symptoms, it may be time to see a specialist. An ENT from Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee can assess the severity of our deviated septum by taking the following actions:
Perform a thorough physical exam, including interior visualization of your nasal passages
Order imaging tests, such as CT scans, to assess the septum’s alignment
Use nasal endoscopy when needed to get a detailed look at the septal and sinus anatomy.
Early evaluation can help prevent complications like chronic sinusitis, recurrent infections, and long-term sleep issues.
Don’t wait to get relief. Call Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee at (615) 327-4000 and see an ENT doctor in Nashville, TN.
Treatment Options Available
Treatment for a deviated septum ranges from conservative non-surgical approaches to surgical correction, depending on severity and symptom intensity.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Initial treatments recommended by an ENT doctor typically involve medications or physical means aimed at managing symptoms. These include:
Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation
Decongestants to relieve nasal congestion
Antihistamines, if allergies exacerbate symptoms
Nasal strips and other measures to provide temporary relief
While these treatments can provide temporary relief, they cannot correct the structural issue.
Surgical Treatment - Septoplasty
For severe cases, ENT doctors often recommend septoplasty. This surgical procedure involves straightening and repositioning the nasal septum, enhancing airflow, and dramatically reducing symptoms. Usually conducted under general anesthesia and rarely taking longer than an hour, septoplasty realigns the septum by trimming and repositioning cartilage and bone within the nose. Most patients can resume their regular activities within a few days, achieving full recovery within a few weeks!
Post surgery, individuals report substantial improvement in breathing, reduced sinus infections, decreased snoring, and enhanced sleep quality.
Discover if septoplasty is right for you by scheduling an evaluation with Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee. Our experienced ENT doctors will ensure comprehensive care from pre-operative assessments to post-operative recovery!
OAT: ENT Doctors Tennesseans Can Trust
With over 20 years of experience providing excellent ENT care in Nashville, TN, Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee is a leader in addressing conditions like deviated septums. When you are suffering from breathing issues, you need a trusted partner to restore you to your optimum comfort and health. Our team of board-certified ENT doctors combines advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support to ensure you breathe easily again. We are committed to patient-focused care, here to guide you through every step of your recovery.
Take the first step toward better breathing by contacting Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee today. Visit us online or call us at (615) 327-4000 to schedule your consultation with an ENT doctor who truly cares!
