“How do I know if I have a deviated septum? Will I need surgery?”
It seems that I am never able to breathe through my nose. How do I know if I have a deviated septum? Will I need surgery?
9 Answers
Sometimes having a deviated septum is obvious. You can look at your nose from the base view and see if the middle wall is crooked. Sometimes it is not so obvious and the deviation is inside the nose. In that case the symptoms are generally a blocked nostril. Sometimes you can have nose bleeds because of a deviated septum. In that case, you will have to see your facial plastic surgeon or ear nose and throat surgeon to know if your septum is deviated. Generally, the only way to improve breathing is to have surgery to get the septum fixed. The surgery is usually outpatient and recovery is about one week.
A deviated septum can often be visible externally and only produces a cosmetically unacceptable deviation of the entire nose. Sometimes the deviation can only be seen internally and will only require surgery if it significantly decreases or blocks the airflow through 1 or 2 nostrils.
Every rhinoplasty surgeon can tell you if you have a deviated septum by simply looking inside your nose, and this will require surgical correction to improve the airway.
The insurance company require a proof of a CT scan that the deviated septum is severe enough to cause airway oobstruction in order to cover the cost of surgery.
The insurance company require a proof of a CT scan that the deviated septum is severe enough to cause airway oobstruction in order to cover the cost of surgery.
You can generally tell if the lower 2/3 of the nose is deviated to one side. One sided breathing difficulties is another clue. Often you can feel, and sometimes see, the lower part of the septum sticking to one side in either nasal passageway.
Thanks for your questions!
There are multiple reasons why you may have difficulty breathing from your nose, one of which may be a deviated septum. Other anatomic causes could be enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse. Allergies and chronic inflammation can also cause nasal obstruction. To determine the cause and discuss treatment options, schedule a consultation with an Otolaryngologist, (someone who specializes in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat).
Monica Kieu, DO
There are multiple reasons why you may have difficulty breathing from your nose, one of which may be a deviated septum. Other anatomic causes could be enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse. Allergies and chronic inflammation can also cause nasal obstruction. To determine the cause and discuss treatment options, schedule a consultation with an Otolaryngologist, (someone who specializes in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat).
Monica Kieu, DO
If the breathing difficulty is always on the same side, then possibly. Make an appointment with a physician to evaluate.
William A. Stefani, MD
William A. Stefani, MD
Hi,
To determine if you have a deviated septum, you need to have an examination by a doctor who specializes in nasal surgery. Some people need nose sprays to treat their obstruction while others need a small surgery to fix the septal deviation. Most times, insurance will pay for the procedure.
Dr. Moradzadeh
To determine if you have a deviated septum, you need to have an examination by a doctor who specializes in nasal surgery. Some people need nose sprays to treat their obstruction while others need a small surgery to fix the septal deviation. Most times, insurance will pay for the procedure.
Dr. Moradzadeh
The most common cause of obstructed nasal passages is turbinate hypertrophy. Afrin can be used to reduce the turbinate size to improve breathing. If the nose has been broken the the septum could be deviated as well. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation for examination of your nose.
It is hard to diagnose a deviated septum without an exam nor to determine if surgery will be helpful. There are too many other factors. You should ask for a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Dr. Yuan
Dr. Yuan
