Is your nose stuffy? Are you having a hard time breathing? Is a deviated septum making life difficult? A deviated septum requires special care from your ENT doctor, Dr. Brent Driskill. At his San Diego, Hillcrest, CA, office, Hillcrest Ear Nose & Throat, your doctor can accurately diagnose and treat nasal congestion.
More About Your Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is when the thin cartilage that divides the nasal passages is crooked. This issue requires treatment or repair if symptoms become extreme.
Signs and Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
- Sinus pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Trouble breathing
- Snoring
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus infections
ENT Diagnosing a Deviated Septum
Your San Diego, Hillcrest doctor needs to officially diagnose a deviated septum because people often have no idea they have a deviated septum, but only persistent sinus infections or nasal congestion. A deviated septum could be from a birth defect or a result of an injury.
Dr. Driskill examines your nose using a bright light and an instrument designed to check between nostrils, and/or a long tube-shaped scope with a bright light at the tip to see inside your nose.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical Treatments: The most common treatment is a nasal steroid spray to reduce drainage but this will take 1-to-3 weeks to take effect; antihistamines deal with your runny nose and obstruction; and decongestants (nasal spray or pill) to reduce swelling of nasal tissues.
Surgical Treatments: A septoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that needs general anesthesia and takes about 1-to-2 hours. This surgery corrects the misaligned septum by removing excess cartilage and bone from the septum to correct its alignment.
Need to speak with an ENT?
You don't have to continue living with a deviated septum. For more information, contact Hillcrest Ear, Nose & Throat, in San Diego, Hillcrest, CA, by calling (619) 294-2350.