Diagnosis
To diagnose a deviated septum, a healthcare professional does a physical exam. An exam involves looking inside the nose using a bright light and sometimes a tool to spread open the nostrils. A long tube-shaped scope with a bright light at the tip can show farther back in the nose, if needed.
Treatment
A deviated septum that is causing symptoms is treated with surgery. Surgery is the only way to fix a deviated septum. A deviated septum that causes no symptoms needs no treatment.
If allergies or sinus problems are making symptoms worse, a healthcare professional might suggest using decongestants, antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays to manage symptoms.
Surgical repair
People who still have symptoms after treatment with medicines might think about surgery to correct the deviated septum. This surgery is called septoplasty.
During a typical septoplasty, the surgeons straightens the nasal septum and puts it in the center of the nose. This may require the surgeon to cut and remove parts of the septum before putting them in the right place.
Reshaping the nose
Sometimes, surgery to reshape the nose, called rhinoplasty, is done at the same time as the repair of the deviated septum. Rhinoplasty involves changing the bone and cartilage of the nose to change the shape or size of the nose or both.
Results of rhinoplasty
At left, a woman's nose before rhinoplasty. On the right, the same woman one year after the surgery.
Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by seeing your family healthcare professional. But you might be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Making a list of questions to ask during your appointment and being ready to answer questions can help you make the most of your appointment.
For a deviated septum, some questions your healthcare professional might ask include:
- How long have you had a blocked your nose?
- How often are you aware that it is blocked?
- Is it harder to breathe through one side of the nose than it is the other?
- Is the blockage mild, moderate or severe?
- Have you injured your nose?
- Do you have allergies that affect your nose?
- Have you lost some of your ability to smell?
- Do you have problems with sinusitis?
- Do you have nosebleeds?
- Is there anything that makes the blockage worse?
- Is there anything you do that relieves the symptoms?
- What medicines have you used for this?
- What medicines are you now taking for this?
- Does decongestant spray help?
- Do you use decongestant spray every day?
- Does using a nasal adhesive strip help?
- Is your nasal blockage worse when you are lying down?
- Have you had nasal surgery?
Some questions you might ask include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- What is the best course of action?
- What other actions could I try?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Do I need to restrict activities?
- Should I see a specialist?
Be sure to ask all the questions you have about your condition.
