Eighty per cent of people suffer from a misalignment of the nasal septum. However, most don’t even know it!
A deviated septum is a common condition where the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity are off-centre and/or crooked.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
So, how do you know if you have a deviated septum? The most common symptoms of a deviated septum include:
- Nasal congestion, with one side being more congested than the other.
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Frequent headaches
- Localized facial pain, typically occurring above the eyes
- Snoring during sleep
- Postnasal drip
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum can occur for many reasons, the most common of which is impact trauma, such as a blow to the face. Other causes for a deviated septum include a congenital disorder and bone shifting during puberty.
Treating a Deviated Septum
In some cases, deviated septum symptoms can be fixed with medications, such as decongestants and nasal sprays. However, more serious cases require surgery, known as septoplasty. A septoplasty is performed quickly and patients usually recover within two days to four weeks.
Consult your ENT doctor today for more information on fixing a deviated septum.
