If facial pain or breathing problems associated with septal deviation make everyday tasks feel unbearable, board-certified otolaryngologist James Atkins, MD, and his team have a simple solution at Atkins Expert Sinus Care in San Antonio, Texas. They offer minimally invasive septoplasty to improve the structure of your nose and sinuses, help you breathe easier, and restore your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Atkins and his team to learn more.
Your septum consists of cartilage and bone that separate the right and left sides of your nose. If you have septal deviation or problems with the structure of your septum, it can narrow one nasal passage and obstruct your breathing. You might be born with a deviated septum, develop it later in life, or experience a deviated septum after trauma.
If you have mild septal deviation, symptoms might be so subtle that you don’t notice them. In more severe cases, however, a deviated septum can result in:
Complications that can occur in people with severely deviated septums might include dry mouth, sleeping problems, fatigue, or chronic nasal congestion. Without proper treatment, these and other problems can significantly diminish your quality of life.
To find out if you have septal deviation, Dr. Atkins and his team ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. He examines the outside and inside of your nose and evaluates your breathing.
Dr. Atkins might look at nasal tissue before and after using a decongestant spray and complete nasal endoscopy or CT scans to confirm you have a deviated septum and determine its severity.
Depending on the severity of your septal deviation, Dr. Atkins might recommend one of the following treatments:
To manage symptoms associated with septal deviation, you might try decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, or antihistamines. Medications can reduce swollen mucus membranes to help you achieve symptom relief.
Septoplasty is a minor surgical procedure in which Dr. Atkins repairs a deviated septum, restoring its structure and function. He can complete septoplasties in-office under IV sedation, using minimally invasive techniques.
During septoplasty, Dr. Atkins can reshape your nose as needed to modify cartilage, bone, and the shape or size of your nose. Downtime is minimal after surgery, though someone must drive you home afterward.
If you’re tired of chronic nasal congestion and breathing problems associated with septal deviation, schedule an appointment with Atkins Expert Sinus Care by phone or online for relief today.
