Nasal Obstruction & Deviated Septum

Nasal Obstruction & Deviated Septum

Relief from Chronic Nasal Blockage

A persistent stuffy nose isn’t just an annoyance; it can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your sleep, energy levels, and ability to breathe freely. While many assume allergies or a lingering cold are to blame, the underlying cause is often a structural issue within the nose known as a deviated septum. Understanding this condition is the first step toward finding a lasting solution.

At our practice, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the root causes of nasal obstruction. Dr. Cable combines extensive experience with a patient-first approach to create a personalized treatment plan that restores clear breathing and enhances your well-being.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two separate passages. Ideally, the septum sits perfectly in the middle, allowing for even airflow on both sides. However, in an estimated 50-80% of people, this septum is off-center to some degree—a condition called a deviated septum.

When the deviation is significant, it can block one or both sides of the nose, making breathing difficult. This obstruction can lead to a cascade of other symptoms and health issues.

Symptoms of a Significant Deviated Septum

While many people have a deviated septum with no symptoms, a more severe displacement can cause a range of issues, including:

• Difficulty Breathing: A feeling of nasal congestion or blockage, often worse on one side. This may become more noticeable when you have a cold or allergies.
• Frequent Nosebleeds: The altered airflow can cause the surface of your nasal septum to become dry, increasing your risk of nosebleeds.
• Facial Pain and Headaches: Chronic nasal obstruction can lead to a feeling of pressure in your sinuses, contributing to facial pain and headaches.
• Noisy Breathing During Sleep: The blockage can cause loud breathing, snoring, or even contribute to obstructive sleep apnea in some individuals.
• Preference for Sleeping on One Side: To optimize airflow, you may subconsciously prefer sleeping on a particular side at night.
• Recurrent Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): Poor drainage resulting from the obstruction can increase your susceptibility to repeated sinus infections.

When to See a Specialist

If chronic nasal obstruction and the associated symptoms are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Dr. Cable can perform a thorough evaluation to determine if a deviated septum or another condition is the cause of your discomfort and guide you toward the most effective treatment.

Causes of a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum can be caused by:

• Congenital Development: For many, the septum simply develops in an off-center position in the womb and becomes apparent as the person grows.
• Injury to the Nose: A trauma, such as a blow to the face from an accident, sports injury, or fall, can displace the nasal septum. For infants, this can even occur during childbirth.

The Diagnostic Process: A Clear Path to Diagnosis

Diagnosing a deviated septum is a straightforward process focused on understanding your symptoms and a detailed physical examination.

1. Symptom Review: Dr. Cable will begin by discussing your symptoms, their duration and severity, and any history of trauma to your nose.
2. Physical Examination: Using a bright light and a nasal speculum to gently open the nostril, Dr. Cable will examine the internal structures of your nose to view the position of your septum.
3. Nasal Endoscopy: In some cases, a nasal endoscopy may be used. This involves inserting a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and camera (an endoscope) into your nose to get a more detailed, magnified view of the entire nasal cavity and septum. This helps rule out other causes of obstruction, such as nasal polyps.

Treatment Options Tailored to You

Treatment for a deviated septum is focused on alleviating your symptoms.

Managing Symptoms with Medication

For milder cases, symptoms can often be managed without surgery:

• Decongestants: These can help reduce nasal tissue swelling, keeping the airways on both sides of your nose open.
• Antihistamines: If allergies contribute to your congestion and inflammation, antihistamines can help manage those symptoms.
• Nasal Steroid Sprays: Prescription sprays can reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and help with drainage.

While these medications can provide temporary relief, they do not correct the underlying anatomical issue.

Surgical Correction: Septoplasty

For those who don’t find relief with medication, a surgical procedure called septoplasty is the definitive treatment. This procedure is designed to straighten and reposition the septum in the center of the nose.

During a septoplasty, Dr. Cable works through the nostrils, lifting the mucous membrane that covers the septum. He then reshapes or removes the parts of bone and cartilage that are causing the blockage before repositioning the membrane. This minimally invasive procedure is performed entirely inside the nose, leaving no external scars.

Septoplasty is a highly effective procedure that can provide significant, long-term relief from nasal obstruction and its related symptoms, dramatically improving your breathing and quality of life.