Is a Deviated Septum the Cause of Your Chronic Congestion?

Do you have chronic nasal congestion? It’s no fun breathing out of your mouth most of the time because your nose is stopped up. Having clogged nasal passages also alters your voice. What’s causing the blockage?

Nasal congestion can occur for many reasons. If you don’t have allergies or sinusitis — or even if you always seem to have one or the other — you may have a deviated septum. In Midtown, New York City, board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh Patel, MD, treats patients with deviated septums on a regular basis. Here’s what you should know about this common problem.

What is a deviated septum? 

Your nose is divided into two halves that are separated by a thin wall of cartilage called the septum. When the septum is off-center inside your nasal passage, you have a deviated septum. 

Up to 80% of the population have a noticeable deviation of their septum, but for many, it never causes a problem because the deviation is minor. If your septum veers much more to one side of your nose, however, the smaller side can become blocked. Now you have nasal congestion. 

Why do I have a deviated septum? 

You may have been born with a deviated septum. It could be a genetic condition, or it may have occurred when the septum was under pressure during your birth. You could also have developed it from a childhood injury such as a fall, a sports injury, or during horseplay when you bumped into something. 

Perhaps you weren’t bothered with nasal congestion when you were younger. Additionally, your nasal structure may have changed as you get older, transforming a relatively minor deviated septum into a source of ongoing nasal blockage. 

Treatment for a deviated septum 

It’s possible that your deviated septum can be treated with medications such as nasal sprays and decongestants, which reduce the swelling of tissues inside your nose to ease congestion. 

If you’ve tried medications and they don’t work, or if your deviated septum is significantly off-center, Dr. Patel performs a minor surgery called a septoplasty. He reshapes your septum to ensure it’s in the correct position. 

If you’re happy with the shape of your nose now, don’t worry; your nose will look the same as it does now after the procedure. 

During the septoplasty, Dr. Patel may also need to perform a procedure called turbinate reduction. Your turbinates are bones inside your nose that help keep germs from entering your lungs. Sometimes these bones grow to the extent that they cause problems with breathing. Dr. Patel tells you if turbinate reduction is needed during your septoplasty procedure. 

Resolve your deviated septum today

Once Dr. Patel treats your deviated septum, you’ll be able to breathe again freely. If you’re ready for long-lasting relief, call Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York City, today, or request an appointment online at your convenience.