Understanding Deviated Septum Surgery: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Breathing, of course, is something most of us don’t think about (at least not consciously) until it seems hard to do. If you often find yourself congested, snoring, or dealing with sinus infections, you may have a deviated septum. Although a little is considered normal, in severe cases, it can seriously affect your quality of life, which means surgical correction may be your only choice.
In this post, we’ll explain what a deviated septum is, its symptoms, non-surgical treatments, and how septoplasty can help your nose work properly.
What is a Deviated Septum?
Nasal Septum Basics
The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal cavity in half, separating your left and right nostrils. It’s also best to have it in the middle to allow for good, clean air flow. But in many people, the septum is shifted, or deviated, to one side or the other, leading to one or both nasal passages being blocked.
Causes of Septal Deviation
A deviated septum may be caused by:
- Congenital – Others were born with that condition (due to genetic tendencies or developmental concerns).
- Injury – Sports injuries, accidents, or falls can cause the septum to become misaligned.
- Ageing – A mild deviation can become exaggerated if the nasal framework changes over time.
Symptoms and Health Impact
A deviated septum can cause:
- Continuous nasal block, frequently on one side, worse than the other
- Trouble breathing, particularly while sleeping
- Common nosebleeds (caused by dry and irritated nasal passages)
- Frequent sinus infections and headaches
- Snoring or sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder associated with interrupted airflow) accompanied by loud snoring as a result of obstruction
When to See a Specialist
- If these symptoms don’t improve with treatment or are interfering with your sleep or daily life, it’s time to see an ENT.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery offers the only long-term fix, but some treatments can provide temporary relief of symptoms:
- Nasal steroid sprays (to decrease inflammation in your nose)
- Antihistamines (allergy relief), Bath & Beauty Items may be added.
- Decongestants (relief is temporary)
But these are not treating the underlying issue, so the symptoms can recur
Surgical Solution: Septoplasty
What is Septoplasty?
- It is a surgical procedure performed in order to straighten the deviated septum and restore normal air flow. It’s usually an outpatient procedure done under local or general anaesthesia.
The Procedure Explained
- Anaesthesia – You will be sedated and very comfortable.
- Septum repositioning – A small cut is made inside the nose to allow access to the septum, where it is moved into a slightly different position.
- Stitching up the wound – Dissolvable stitches or splinters can be used to help the wound heal.
The majority of patients return home the same day after surgery, which typically takes 30 to 90 minutes.
Recovery and Aftercare
- First week of healing: temporary swelling and stuffiness for a few days.
- Completely recovered: 2–4 weeks, follow-up visits for assessment of progress.
- Precautions: Don’t engage in rough activity or blow your nose hard.
Benefits of Deviated Septum Surgery
- Better breathing and less congestion
- Fewer sinus infections and nosebleeds
- Improved quality of sleep with less snoring
- For a more comfortable everyday life
Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
Why Go Private?
- There are shorter waiting lists than those of the NHS
- Personalised attention from experienced ENT practitioners
- State-of-the-art facilities for accurate diagnosis and treatment
Final Thoughts
To have a deviated septum may be more than just a nuisance, affecting sleep, energy level and general health. Although medications can relieve some of the symptoms, septoplasty is a longer-term solution. Chase Lodge Hospital is available to help you at every stage, regardless of whether you require treatment.
Call us now to book an appointment with our ENT experts and start down the path to better breathing and better health.
