Deviated Septum Treatment
Deviated Septum Treatment in Burbank & San Diego, CA
SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers specializes in deviated septum treatment in Burbank, CA. A deviated septum can do more than just affect your breathing. It can significantly impact your quality of life. If you’ve been struggling with nasal congestion, snoring, or frequent sinus infections, understanding what a deviated septum is and exploring your treatment options might be your first step toward relief. Our treatments aim to reduce symptoms and improve nasal function for a better quality of life.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) that separates your nostrils is misaligned or shifted to one side. This condition may be congenital or caused by trauma, such as a broken nose. For many, the misalignment leads to nasal obstruction, making breathing more difficult and other complications. Treatment can be as minor as using antihistamines and as major as surgery to repair the deviated septum.
Signs and Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
Recognizing the symptoms of a deviated septum is essential to identify when medical intervention might be necessary. Some of the most common deviated septum symptoms include:
- Chronic nasal congestion: Persistent difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, with congestion often worsening on one side.
- Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Disrupted airflow can lead to loud snoring or sleep apnea, which can affect both the individual and their partner.
- Frequent Sinus Infections: Poor nasal airflow creates a breeding ground for sinus infections, leading to pain and recurring discomfort.
- Nosebleeds: The altered airflow may dry out the nasal membranes, increasing the likelihood of nosebleeds.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
Several factors can lead to a deviated septum. The three most common causes of a deviated septum include:
- Congenital Displacement: Some individuals are born with a deviated septum due to irregular development during fetal growth.
- Trauma or Injury: Physical injuries to the nose, such as those caused by contact sports or accidents, are common culprits.
- Age-Related Changes: Over time, changes in cartilage and bone structure may aggravate an already crooked septum.
Diagnosing a Deviated Septum
Understanding and diagnosing a deviated septum is a meticulous process that requires a detailed examination by a healthcare expert. Our experts often use a nasal endoscope to inspect the nasal passages carefully. Your medical history and symptoms are also crucial components of the evaluation. If a deviated septum is diagnosed after a full evaluation, we’ll work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum
Fortunately, there are several remedies to address the issues caused by a deviated septum. Your specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Results vary based on individual diagnosis and treatment adherence. The most common deviated septum treatments include:
- Non-Surgical Remedies: Decongestants and antihistamines help reduce swelling in the nasal tissues for airflow, nasal corticosteroid sprays minimize inflammation and improve breathing, and saline sprays help keep nasal passages moist to reduce discomfort.
- Septoplasty: Septoplasty is a common outpatient surgical procedure designed to realign and straighten the nasal septum. ENT specialists use small incisions inside the nostrils to reposition the septum without leaving visible scars. *While outcomes vary, some patients report improved airflow and reduced congestion following septoplasty.
* Results vary. A clinical evaluation is required to determine candidacy.
Why Choose Us for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Failing to treat a severely deviated septum can result in ongoing discomfort, poor sleep, and recurring health issues like infections. Our goal is to provide evidence-based care that addresses your symptoms and promotes long-term relief where possible. At SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, we specialize in effective treatments tailored to alleviate the effects of this condition.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is excited to help improve your breathing. If you have a deviated septum, we help restore your ability to breathe comfortably. Our services are available at both our Burbank and San Diego locations, with care provided by licensed ENT specialists. Our skilled team is passionate about helping patients breathe freely and clearly without concern. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started on the journey toward improved breathing.