At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, our ENT specialists provide expert care for individuals with a deviated septum, offering personalized treatment plans to address symptoms and improve nasal breathing. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (septum) between the nasal passages is displaced or crooked, often causing nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms:

A deviated septum can cause a variety of symptoms, which may include:

• Nasal Congestion: The deviation of the septum can obstruct one or both nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose and a sensation of nasal congestion.
• Nasal Obstruction: A deviated septum can restrict airflow through the nasal passages, making it challenging to breathe comfortably, especially during physical exertion or sleep.
• Nasal Discharge: Excessive nasal discharge, often clear or mucous-like, may occur due to irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages.
• Nosebleeds: The deviation of the septum can cause drying and irritation of the nasal mucosa, increasing the risk of nosebleeds, particularly in dry or arid environments.
• Facial Pain or Pressure: In some cases, a deviated septum may cause facial pain or pressure, particularly around the bridge of the nose or between the eyes.
• Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Severe deviation of the septum can contribute to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea by obstructing the airway during sleep.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing a deviated septum involves a comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist, which may include:

• Medical History: The doctor will review your medical history, including symptoms, previous nasal surgeries, and any underlying conditions such as allergies or trauma.
• Physical Examination: A nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy may be performed to visualize the nasal passages and assess the degree of septal deviation.
• Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRI scans may be ordered to provide detailed images of the nasal passages and septum, helping to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the deviation.

Treatment:

Treatment options for a deviated septum aim to alleviate symptoms and improve nasal breathing. These may include:

• Nasal Corticosteroids: Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays can help reduce nasal inflammation and congestion, improving nasal airflow and alleviating symptoms.
• Nasal Septoplasty: Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to straighten the deviated septum and improve nasal breathing. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nose and adjusts or removes portions of the septum to correct the deviation.
• Septal Reconstruction: In cases of severe septal deviation or trauma, septal reconstruction may be necessary to restore the structure and function of the septum, often using grafts or implants to support the nasal framework.

Prevention:

While a deviated septum often develops due to genetic factors or trauma, certain preventive measures may help reduce the risk of complications or worsening symptoms, including:

• Avoiding Nasal Trauma: Take precautions to avoid activities that may cause nasal trauma or injury, such as contact sports or accidents.
• Allergen Management: Minimize exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold, which can contribute to nasal inflammation and congestion.

 

Can a deviated septum cause headaches?

In some cases, a deviated septum may contribute to facial pain or pressure, which can manifest as headaches, particularly around the forehead or sinus area.

 

How long does septoplasty surgery take?

The duration of septoplasty surgery varies depending on the extent of the deviation and any additional procedures performed but typically takes one to two hours to complete.

 

Is septoplasty covered by insurance?

Septoplasty may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary to improve nasal breathing and alleviate symptoms of nasal obstruction.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a deviated septum or have concerns about your nasal breathing, our experienced ENT specialists at SHIFAA PAN African Hospital are here to help. Schedule a consultation with our team for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan to address your deviated septum and improve your nasal health.