When you hear the term “deviated,” do you imagine a crooked road? The same can describe a deviated nasal septum.

Your nasal septum divides the right and left the side of your nose inside your nasal cavity. At its base is a central supporting skeleton, a firm yet bendable structure protected on all sides by mucous membrane. The front of the septum is made of cartilage and blood vessels. The ideal nasal septum would be exactly midline, providing an equal path through both nostrils to intake air properly.

However, according to Columbia University’s Department of Otolaryngology, 80% of all nasal septum are uneven. It occurs when the septum shifts dramatically away from the midline. It may be a result of:

Head and Neck Cancers
  • Nasal trauma (Sports Injury, accident, etc...)
  • Congenital deviation (e.g. born with it)
  • Delivery trauma

In any case, a deviated septum can create big problems for you and your quality of life if left untreated. For most people, they never notice any irregularities. But for many, they may experience:

Head and Neck Cancers
  • Sinus infections
  • Nasal Obstructions
  • Frequent Nosebleeds
  • Headaches
  • Facial Pain
  • Nasal Drip
  • Snoring
  • Nasal Swelling

Patients with more acute symptoms may develop an infection over time that left untreated can result in chronic sinusitis. In the event that medicine alone cannot cure your deviated septum symptoms and conservative treatment is not relieving the symptoms, Dr. Shuaib may suggest septoplasty, rhinoplasty or both.

Septoplasty is a minimally evasive procedure that generally takes one hour of outpatient surgery under local or general anesthesia. Patients often return home 3-4 hours after the procedure. During the surgery, deviated portions of the septum may be removed, readjusted and reinserted into the nose through a small incision in the septum.

Rhinoplasty may be combined with septoplasty to improve the noses’ appearance if deemed necessary. If the procedure is not extensive, there should be no bruising or external markings.

To avoid any more discomfort, request an appointment with Dr. Shuaib. A professional diagnosis and medical treatment from one of South Texas’ leading ENT physicians will help you regain the quality of life you deserve.

Dr. Stefan Shuaib is one of the top head and neck surgeons in Texas and provides on-site diagnosis and treatment in the Rio Grande Valley. If you are concerned about any changes or symptoms you have been experiencing, it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shuaib by calling (956) 362-8125.

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