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The Nasal Septum and the Deviated Septum

We have all heard about the “deviated nasal septum” but what exactly is it? Should every nasal septum be completely straight? If I can’t breathe, is it the result of this deviated septum? First, let’s start with the definition of a nasal septum.

What Is A Nasal Septum?

The wall of bone and cartilage covered with moist soft tissue that divides the left and right side of your nose is the nasal septum. It starts in the front of your nose and divides your nostrils and continues until in the back into your nose it ends and the breathing passages join again. The nose normally will swell on one side and decongest on the other side (the nasal cycle) so it is normal for breathing to “flip back and forth” between sides of the nose.

What Is A “Deviated Nasal Septum”?

All nasal septums have bends in them. There is no such thing as a perfectly straight septum. A septum is termed “deviated” when it is crooked enough to block the breathing on one or both sides of the nose. If you don’t have trouble breathing then you don’t have a “deviated nasal septum”. It may be bent, but if that doesn’t bother you then you don’t need to do anything about it.

Are There Other Reasons Not To Breathe Well?

Yes. You may also have inferior turbinate hypertrophy which is swelling of the tissue on either side of the inside of your nose that can block your breathing. Nasal valves have been shown to be a common as a cause of nasal obstruction as the deviated nasal septum. These are the narrowest areas where air passes inside the nose and opening the valves can improve airflow and breathing. Other causes include allergies, nasal polyps, nasal tumors, trauma, congenital defects, autoimmune diseases, and others. Your otolaryngologist can look into your nose with an endoscope and let you know if there are blockages.

Why Is A Deviated Septum Important?

Humans are designed to normally breathe through our noses. Nasal obstruction can lead to difficulty sleeping and working out and can be the cause of snoring. Sleep apnea is caused by severe airway obstruction and can cause high blood pressure, heart and lung failure and even heart attacks. Being able to breathe better from your nose can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Preparation For A Deviated Septum

You will meet with Dr. Mourad where he usually spends an hour going over everything related to your surgery. He will evaluate and make sure that he can specifically tailor a custom care plan to your exact needs. During the consultation, Dr. Mourad will determine the exact nature of your complaints and the exact causes. He may prescribe medications that will assist in your complaints. Once a tailored plan is made, Dr. Mourad and his staff will take you through all the necessary information needed to make sure that your surgery happens without issue. We take care of the details so that you can have the most enjoyable experience.

Dr. Mourad views treating his patients to be nothing short of a privilege and an honor and enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and fully understand their issues. Dr. Mourad’s office provides a boutique experience that takes you out of the mindset of being at the doctor’s office. It is a warm, comfortable environment, providing a bespoke experience.

Will Medications Help My Deviated Septum?

If you have a mild septal deviation then yes. Nasal steroids can give you just enough decongestion to make you breathing better. Antihistamines will help with allergies that may improve your breathing as well. Nasal saline rinses feel good for many patients and may rinse away stagnant mucus, allergens, and impurities. Other decongestants in pill or liquid form can decongest the nose but the pills can increase blood pressure and the sprays can be addictive and give more congestion after just using a couple of days. No medicine will actually straighten the cartilage and bone that may be obstructing your nose. Ask your doctor before beginning a longer course of medication.

How Can Dr. Mourad Help Me With My Deviated Nasal Septum?

Most patients who come into our office have been on all of the medications and may still not breathe well. We will discuss all the options for treatment with you. We feel that educated patients are happier and more realistic about their treatment. Our office will check your benefits and deal with insurance as much as possible. Dr. Mourad is an expert at all forms of nasal surgery and is happy to discuss your care with you. Please let us know how we can help you.

Meet Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is board-certified in head and neck surgery and highly-trained in cosmetic plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. Dr. Mourad is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He treats many conditions, both cosmetic and complex, that affect the head, neck... Learn More »

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