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“I just met Dr. Ryan Salvador for a first allergy consult at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology. Dr. Salvador was so terrific I just couldn’t wait to write a review.”
Deviated Septum Treatment
Breathing should be effortless. But for individuals living with a deviated septum, each breath can come with difficulty, discomfort, and a long list of complications from chronic congestion to sleep disturbances. At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum, offering proven medical and surgical solutions tailored to your needs.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages. Ideally, it sits centered in the nose, allowing air to flow freely through both nostrils. However, in many people, the septum is displaced to one side. The condition is known as a deviated septum.
This structural imbalance can obstruct airflow on one or both sides of the nose, often resulting in a range of symptoms that can impact your comfort, breathing, and overall quality of life.
Deviations can be present from birth, result from trauma, or worsen over time due to age or chronic inflammation. Though minor deviations may cause little to no symptoms, more severe cases often require medical intervention or surgery to restore function.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
Recognizing the signs of a deviated septum is the first step toward finding lasting relief. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic nasal congestion, especially on one side
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent sinus infections
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches or facial pressure
- Postnasal drip
- Dry mouth due to mouth breathing
If these issues sound familiar, a comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist for deviated septum can confirm the diagnosis and guide the most effective treatment options.
When to See an ENT Specialist
You don’t have to live with persistent congestion, snoring, or chronic sinus infections. If your nasal symptoms are affecting your ability to sleep, breathe comfortably, or perform daily activities, it may be time to consult an ENT specialist for deviated septum. Early intervention can prevent complications and dramatically improve your quality of life.
Deviated Septum Diagnosis
At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any known nasal injuries or allergies. Your ENT doctor will then perform a thorough nasal examination using a nasal speculum or endoscope to visualize the internal nasal structures and determine the severity of the deviation.
In some cases, imaging studies such as a CT scan may be recommended to assess the full anatomy of your nasal passages and sinuses. This provides valuable insight when planning for medical or surgical intervention.
Deviated Septum Treatment Options
The best deviated septum treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the extent of obstruction. For some patients, conservative management may offer relief, while others may require nasal septum correction through surgery. Here’s how we approach treatment:
For patients with mild to moderate symptoms, we may begin with medical therapy aimed at reducing inflammation and improving airflow. These may include:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce swelling
- Antihistamines or decongestants for allergy-related symptoms
- Nasal saline irrigations to flush irritants and reduce congestion
While these treatments won’t physically straighten the septum, they can alleviate symptoms enough to improve daily comfort. However, they are typically temporary solutions.
When medical therapy is no longer effective or the septal deviation is significantly blocking airflow, septoplasty is the recommended course of action. This outpatient procedure is the most definitive deviated septum surgery available and offers long-lasting relief.
During septoplasty, your ENT surgeon makes a small incision inside the nose to access the septum. The deviated portions of cartilage and bone are either removed or repositioned to straighten the septum and restore normal breathing. No external incisions are required, and scarring is minimal.
Because the procedure is performed under anesthesia, patients typically experience little to no discomfort during surgery. Most individuals can return to work or normal activities within a week, with full recovery expected within a few weeks.
Functional and Cosmetic Considerations
In some cases, nasal obstruction treatment through septoplasty is combined with rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping surgery) to improve both breathing function and cosmetic appearance. This is known as septorhinoplasty and may be appropriate for patients who also have structural or aesthetic concerns about the nose.
Our ENT team works closely with you to design a treatment plan that aligns with both your functional needs and personal goals.
Why Choose Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology?
Proper diagnosis and deviated septum treatment require the expertise of an experienced ENT physician. At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, our board-certified providers combine deep anatomical knowledge with advanced surgical techniques to ensure safe, effective, and lasting results.
We also understand that every patient is unique so your care plan is personalized to your anatomy, symptoms, and lifestyle. From initial consultation through post-operative recovery, we provide compassionate care and clear communication every step of the way.
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At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, we help patients throughout the region find relief through accurate diagnosis, advanced procedures like septoplasty, and a personalized approach to care.
If you suspect you have a deviated septum, schedule a consultation with our ENT team today and take the first step toward better breathing, better sleep, and better health.
