What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated nasal septum happens when the thin wall separating your nostrils is not straight. The crooked septum causes one nostril to become smaller than the other nostril. Dr. Siva Elangovan at Resolve ENT is an expert in the consequences and correction of deviated septum in Chicago, IL.
Causes of a Deviated Septum
A genetic bone abnormality or injury can cause a deviated septum.
Consequences of a Deviated Septum
You may have difficulty breathing through your nose when you have a deviated septum. Impaired breathing can have several unpleasant consequences, including:
- Reduced oxygen flow to your vital organs, including your brain and heart
- Sinus pressure, pain, headaches, and sinus infections
- More severe respiratory symptoms when you have a viral infection from cold or flu
- Louder and more frequent snoring or sleep apnea
How an ENT Specialist Can Help With a Deviated Septum in Chicago, IL
Your ENT specialist may recommend non-invasive treatment options to help you breathe more deeply and easily. These non-invasive treatments may include:
- Saline flushes
- Decongestant medications
- Antihistamine medications
- Nasal steroid sprays
In severe cases, surgery known as septoplasty may be recommended to correct the alignment of the nasal septum.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure to straighten the nasal septum. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 25 to 45 minutes. Additional time is required for recovery from sedation.
Recovery From Septoplasty
Septoplasty is completed internally through the nose, so it doesn't change the nose's appearance like rhinoplasty can. Nasal splints are inserted to hold the septum in place while it heals, which requires about five to seven days. The splints are removed during a postoperative visit one week after the septoplasty procedure.
Do You Want to Know More About Your Deviated Septum?
To learn more about treating a deviated septum in Chicago, IL, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Elangovan at Resolve ENT at (773) 828-3001, so call today.