Deviated Septum Treatment in Ridgewood, NJ
Made of bone and cartilage and located in the center of your nose, the nasal septum is a structure that separates the nasal cavity into two symmetric nostrils. However, due to a congenital defect or injury, the shape or location of the septum may be altered, resulting in a deviated septum.
About 80 percent of the population has some form of a deviated septum. In fact, most people are not even aware that they have the condition unless it causes problems with their health or breathing, such as recurrent sinus infections, breathing difficulties, nosebleeds, sleep apnea, or pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider in Ridgewood who can properly evaluate your symptoms. Call (201) 806-6099 or contact Dr. M.T. Shahab online.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum can be caused by either a birth defect or damage to the nasal septum. Any damage or injury to the septum or nose - such as trauma to the nose during childbirth or sports injuries later in life - can result in a deviated septum. While a deviated septum is not usually a painful condition, it can be in rare cases when the nerves in your nose misfire, sending an unexplained barrage of pain signals to the brain.
Deviated Septum Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of a deviated septum can vary widely in severity. Some individuals experience symptoms so mild that they may not even be aware that they have the condition, while others experience chronic illness and long-term disability due to ongoing, untreated sleep apnea or severe sinus infections.
The symptoms of a deviated septum may include the following:
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal congestion or postnasal drip
- Difficulty breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Noticeable or loud breathing
- Unusual appearance to nose
- Recurrent sinus infections or poor sinus drainage
- Repetitive sneezing
- Nasal or facial pain
- Headaches
Sometimes individuals with a deviated septum will have had a lifelong preference to sleeping on one side, not realizing it is because of a breathing problem due to a deviated septum.
Deviated Septum Treatment
A physical examination and review of one's symptoms and medical history are key to properly diagnosing a deviated septum and ruling out other conditions which may present similar symptoms. If a positive diagnosis is made, a wide range of treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, are available.
Initial treatment of deviated septum, especially for patients whose goal is to avoid surgery, may focus on symptom relief. Some of the medications used to provide symptom relief may include:
- Antihistamines and decongestants
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Steroid nasal spray
In addition to medications, there are a number of non-invasive treatment options - like laser procedures, Botox injections, or balloon procedures - that may be used to treat a deviated septum.
If you still experience symptoms, there are surgical options available to correct a deviated septum:
- Septoplasty - an outpatient procedure which removes excess bone or cartilage from the septum in order to even out the spaces of the nostrils
- Septorhinoplasty - combines septoplasty with rhinoplasty for more substantial changes to the nose structure
Because the nose continues to change and grow as people age, most physicians advise their patients that they wait until they are at least 15 years or older to receive surgical treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Though often natural and harmless, a deviated septum can sometimes cause serious symptoms that greatly affect your life. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to elevate your symptoms and treat your conditions.
To request more information about the severity of your deviated septum and treatment options call (201) 806-6099 or contact Dr. M.T. Shahab online.
Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women
Address
33 Central AveMidland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 806-6099
www.BergenCountyDoctors.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue:
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun:
By Appointment Only