Most people snore from time to time, but ongoing issues with snoring may be a sign of something bigger. Furthermore, snoring may prevent you and those around you from getting a good night’s rest. Read on to learn the most common causes of snoring.
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage (called the septum) that normally separates your nose into two equally sized nostrils is moved to one side.
Some people are born with a deviated septum, but it can also be caused by an injury to the nose. It may have occurred so long ago that you don’t even remember the incident, and it may have not seemed serious at all when it happened.
In some cases, people who have a deviated septum have one nasal passage that’s much smaller than the other. This can make it difficult to breathe through your nose and may also lead to crusting or bleeding in some cases.
In this blog, Houston otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) Dr. Cecil Yeung will explain what you can expect when undergoing surgery to correct a deviated septum.
A deviated septum can result from a number of possible causes, including the following:
A crooked septum can cause symptoms and related conditions that may include:
For some patients, non-invasive options such as medication can help alleviate symptoms associated with a deviated septum. These may include decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal sprays, which won’t correct the problem but may be effective at managing symptoms.
However, in some cases, medicine may not provide enough relief. In other cases, such as with decongestants, they may cause a rebound effect and actually make symptoms worse if they’re used for too long. They can also cause side effects such as increasing your blood pressure, and antihistamines may cause drowsiness.
When medication isn’t successful or is causing troublesome side effects, a procedure called a septoplasty may be recommended.
A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the septum and create two equally sized nostrils. Rather than addressing the symptoms caused by a deviated septum, it corrects the problem itself, thus offering long-term relief from symptoms.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require any cutting through the skin, since it’s performed entirely through the nostrils. As a result, you won’t have bruising or swelling on the outside of your nose. And since no nasal bones need to be broken during surgery, there’s no need for the surgeon to use packing in your nose.
Most patients are able to return to work and their normal activities within five to seven days.
As a double board-certified Houston ENT and facial plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in providing deviated septum treatment. Dr. Cecil Yeung is one of the leading providers of deviated septum surgery in the region.
With an accredited, state-of-the-art surgery facility located on the premises, Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute, patients can enjoy the ease and convenience of having the entire course of their treatment – from their initial consultation to the day of their deviated septum surgery – from the same private office.
Schedule an appointment today if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a deviated septum. Dr. Yeung will recommend the treatment option that will be the best for your particular condition and symptoms and help you achieve the most long-lasting effective relief possible.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Most people snore from time to time, but ongoing issues with snoring may be a sign of something bigger. Furthermore, snoring may prevent you and those around you from getting a good night’s rest. Read on to learn the most common causes of snoring.
Millions of Americans suffer from sinusitis. And whether it’s acute or chronic, the pain and discomfort from sinusitis can hijack your life. Read on to learn what can cause sinusitis and how it can be treated.
When you hear the word “nodule,” your thinking may automatically jump to cancer. When it comes to thyroid nodules, the good news is that the nodules are mostly benign — mostly. Here’s what you should know.
Bad breath, snoring, and reduced sense of smell are just a few of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. If you’re tired of struggling to breathe and constantly dealing with sinus pressure and headaches, explore the option of balloon sinuplasty.
Breathing issues can impact your daily life and your performance as an athlete. Often, there’s a simple solution that can treat the underlying causes of common breathing issues. Discover how you can breathe your way to a better athletic performance.
Do you have difficulty breathing most days? Do you snore at night? These could be signs of a deviated septum, especially if you ever suffered trauma to your nose. Learn when to seek treatment and your options for correcting a deviated septum.