The answer to this question depends on the severity of the deviated septum. While mild cases may not require any treatment, more pronounced deviations might cause breathing issues and lead to potential complications such as recurrent sinus infections, sleep apnea, and snoring.
If these symptoms arise, it could be worth fixing the deviated septum. Fixes may include medications or surgery. The procedure is known as a septoplasty and is intended to straighten the cartilage and bone that make up a deviated septum.
People with severe deviation may experience improvement in their breathing and quality of life after the surgery. The procedure is generally considered safe and effective, with hospitals generally discharging patients the same day as the surgery.
Ultimately, the decision to fix a deviated septum should be made in consultation with a medical professional who can factor in your individual needs, the severity of your particular case, and the risks and benefits associated with the treatment.
What happens if you don’t treat deviated septum?
If a deviated septum is left untreated, it can lead to potential long-term health problems. Over time, the extra tissue in the deviated septum can block one side of the nose and cause difficulty breathing through the affected nostril, triggering frequent sinus infections, chronic congestion, sinus headaches, snoring, and other breathing issues.
In some cases, the shift in the nasal structure caused by a deviated septum can also lead to more subtle signs such as facial pain and ringing in the ears. If severe enough the deviated septum can also narrow the nasal passage and impair the natural drainage of mucus from the sinuses, making it difficult to fight germs that enter the body through the nose.
Without proper treatment, the constant pressure from a deviated septum can become a serious health concern.
Is a deviated septum a big deal?
A deviated septum is a condition where the nasal septum, which is the thin wall that separates your nostrils, is drastically shifted from its ideal position in the center of the nose. It can cause many uncomfortable symptoms and discomfort, including difficulty breathing, sinus problems, nosebleeds, and sleep problems.
It can also reduce the amount of air that is able to pass through your nose, forcing you to breathe through your mouth.
It’s important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. While a deviated septum may not sound like a big deal, it can drastically reduce your quality of life, cause discomfort, and interfere with everyday activities.
In severe cases, it can also require surgery. However, if the deviation is minor, it can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. In either case, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the severity of your condition and the best treatment plan for you.
Can you live fine with a deviated septum?
Yes, you can live fine with a deviated septum. This is because a deviated septum is not a life-threatening condition. In some cases, a deviated septum can cause nasal congestion or breathing difficulties and occasionally pain, but not all people experience these symptoms.
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend surgery to correct the deviation, which may improve symptoms, but is generally considered a personal choice. Living with a deviated septum is possible, and many people have no issues with their ability to breathe and function normally.
Such as steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, and saline nose drops. It is also important to avoid allergens, smoke, and irritants that can worsen symptoms.
What age is for deviated septum surgery?
The timing of deviated septum surgery depends largely upon the severity of the nasal obstruction and the patient’s overall medical condition and preferences. In most cases, septoplasty is recommended for patients ages 16 and older, when the bone and cartilage of the septum have reached full development.
If a child under 16 years old has severe nasal obstruction which is limiting their breathing or quality of life, then a septoplasty can be performed if recommended and approved by the child’s pediatrician.
For individuals over the age of 16, it is usually recommended that the septoplasty should be performed before the patient reaches 40 years old. This is because the septum can naturally become stiffer with age and more difficult to correct, which may cause the procedure to fail.
When a patient is near or over the age of 40, doctors may recommend a different procedure such as a rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum.
Do deviated septums get worse with age?
A deviated septum is a deformity in the nasal septum, the wall that separates the nasal passages in the nose. It can affect the ability to breathe and can cause frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections.
The good news is that a deviated septum usually does not get worse with age, however, it is possible for the condition to increase in severity if not treated.
In some cases, a deviated septum can be caused by trauma, injury or even genetics, which may make it likely to increase in severity regardless of age. Without proper treatment, such as surgical correction, the septum may move further out of place, leading to even more severe symptoms.
If left untreated, the deformity can also worsen due to some contributing factors such as allergies or frequent infections, as these can cause swelling and additional pressure in the nose which can lead to a further deviation of the septum.
To prevent the condition from becoming worse, it is important to take steps to minimize any existing allergies or infections, as well as to seek proper treatment. If you suspect that you have a deviated septum, you should see your doctor and discuss a treatment plan.
Treatment options may include nasal sprays, antibiotics, or even surgery.
Can a deviated septum go away on its own?
No, a deviated septum typically cannot go away on its own without treatment. A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum — the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity in half — is significantly off-center or crooked, resulting in difficulty breathing.
This condition can ultimately cause persistent nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and difficulty sleeping. The only way for a deviated septum to go away is for a physician to perform a surgery known as a septoplasty, which involves readjusting the deviated septal cartilage back into a more neutral position in the nose.
Some cases of a deviated septum may respond to medication alone in order to help reduce associated symptoms. However, since this condition typically cannot go away on its own, medical consultation is usually necessary.
How do people live with a deviated septum without surgery?
Many people who have a deviated septum are able to live without needing surgery if the deviation is not severe. Depending on the severity, several different treatments can be used to manage symptoms.
Some of these include medications, such as decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications, saline irrigation and humidification, and in some cases, an oral steroid. It can also help to flushing the passages regularly with a special saline solution in a process called nasal lavage.
This procedure may be recommended by a physician when one has a deviated septum in order to help clear built-up mucus and reduce pressure in the nasal passages. This can improve the flow of air in and out of the nose, relieving some breathing difficulty.
Additionally, people with a deviated septum can also explore other lifestyle changes to address symptoms. These changes can include avoiding allergens, as well as allergens that cause inflammation or blockage in the nasal passages, such as environmental pollutants or cigarette smoke.
Additionally, some people may find relief from a humidifier, eating a healthy diet, practicing nasal exercises or yoga, and even avoiding dairy products or eating foods that are spicy.
Can a deviated septum improve without surgery?
Yes, in some cases a deviated septum can improve without surgery. Depending on how severe the deviation is and how much it is affecting the patient’s daily life, it may be possible to improve the deviation with non-surgical methods.
These can include medications and physical treatments. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can reduce swelling, which can help improve the deviation. In some cases, nasal sprays may be used to ease congestion and irritation, which can reduce inflammation and help correct the septum.
Additionally, physical treatments such as nasal strips, steam inhalation, and gentle nasal irrigation can help reduce congestion, which can help improve airflow, reduce pressure, and improve the condition of the septum.
In mild cases, lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption may be enough to help manage the condition without surgery.
Is surgery for a deviated septum painful?
Surgery to correct a deviated septum is typically not a painful procedure. Before the surgery, your doctor may give you a sedative to help you relax, and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. During the surgery, some people may feel pressure or slight discomfort depending on the type of procedure used, but this is not usually painful.
After the surgery, most people feel minimal discomfort, and any pain felt can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Most people who have had septoplasty report that their symptoms were significantly reduced after the procedure, and they experienced less pain than they were expecting.
Will fixing deviated septum help sleep?
Yes, fixing a deviated septum can help with sleep. This is because a deviated septum can cause a variety of Nasal Obstruction Syndromes (NAS) which should be treated in order to improve sleep. The symptoms of NAS, including difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and difficulty sleeping, can be alleviated by fixing a deviated septum.
When the nasal passage is blocked, it causes reduced air passage through the nose resulting in increased resistance in breathing. This can not only cause sleep-disordered breathing, but noise such as snoring and sleep apnea.
To fix a deviated septum, surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves removing or reshaping the bone or cartilage which is blocking the nasal passage. If the septum is sufficiently deviated, surgery may be the only way to effectively treat the obstruction.
After surgery, the patient should experience improved breathing, less snoring and better quality of sleep.
How long do you stay in hospital after septum surgery?
The amount of time a patient will stay in the hospital after undergoing septum surgery will depend on several factors, including their overall health, the type of surgery performed, and any other underlying medical conditions.
Typically, a patient will stay in the hospital for 1 – 2 days following the procedure. If a patient undergoes more extensive nasal septum surgery, such as septoplasty or submucosal resection, they may have to stay in the hospital for a few days in order to monitor their recovery and healing.
During this time, they may receive antibiotics, pain medication, oxygen therapy, or other treatments as needed. After the surgery and following any additional hospital stay, patients will often require additional recovery time at home, typically lasting one to two weeks.
Can I push my deviated septum back into place?
No, it is not recommended to attempt to push your deviated septum back into place as it can cause serious damage to the septum and the surrounding nasal structures if not done carefully and properly.
In addition, the septum can only be pushed back into a moderately deviated position, and cannot completely be pushed back into a normal position, depending on the severity. The best and safest option for treating a deviated septum is to see a surgeon and have them reset the septum using either a closed (endonasal) or open (external) technique depending on the severity of the deviated septum.
Both techniques are very effective and will help to reduce pain and discomfort. Your doctor may also recommend medications and/or other treatments to help manage the symptoms of a deviated septum.
Do breathe right strips help with deviated septum?
Breathe Right nasal strips may help improve breathing through a deviated septum, however, this is best discussed with a physician as the effects will vary from person to person. In general, nasal strips help to open up nasal passages by gently lifting the sides of the nose.
The strips may help to decrease congestion and provide temporary relief for breathing associated with a deviated septum, however, since the strips do not actually address the underlying septum deviation, the relief may be temporary.
Additionally, using Breathe Right strips may not be safe for everyone. For example, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation or a reaction to the adhesive on the strips. For those with a deviated septum, the best solution is to consult a physician regarding the condition and determine if a more permanent solution is necessary.
