Septoplasty Treatment in Atlanta
What problems can a deviated septum cause?
The shape of your nasal cavity could be the cause of chronic sinusitis. The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into halves; composed of a central supporting skeleton covered on each side by mucous membrane. The front portion of this natural partition is a firm, yet bendable structure made mostly of cartilage covered by skin that has a substantial supply of blood vessels. The ideal nasal septum is exactly midline, separating the left and right sides of the nose into passageways of equal size. Estimates are that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off-center, a condition that generally goes unnoticed.
A deviated septum may cause one or more of the following:
- Blockage of one or both nostrils
- Nasal congestion, sometimes one-sided
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Frequent sinus infections
- At times, facial pain, headaches, postnasal drip
- Noisy breathing during sleep (in infants and young children)
How do you fix a deviated septum?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed entirely through the nostrils, accordingly, no bruising or external signs occur. The surgery might be combined with a rhinoplasty, in which case the external appearance of the nose is altered and swelling/bruising of the face is evident. Septoplasty may also be combined with sinus surgery if need be and can be done with a local or a general anesthetic; usually done on an outpatient basis. After the surgery, nasal packing is inserted to prevent excessive postoperative bleeding. If a deviated nasal septum is the sole cause for your chronic sinusitis, relief from this severe disorder will be achieved.