Effective Treatment for a Deviated Septum
Comfortable nasal breathing relies on open airways through the nose. When either nasal passage has blockages, it can cause breathing problems and may lead to other related health issues. A deviated septum is one of the possible causes of nasal blockages and breathing issues. Our ear, nose and throat specialists at Estrella ENT offer effective treatment for a deviated septum at our clinic in Goodyear, AZ.
Breathing and sinus problems can impact your quality of life and health. Our team at Estrella ENT includes two otolaryngology specialists, Jonathan Wiggenhorn, DO, and Alan Brenner, MD. Both are board-certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery – and Dr. Wiggenhorn is also board-certified in facial plastic surgery. If you have nasal breathing issues that may be related to a deviated septum, you can trust our team to find the best treatment solution to give you relief.
What is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is the cartilage divider that separates the two nasal passages and supports the structure of the nose. The septum is designed to be centered in the nose, creating two nasal passages that should be equal in size. When the septum is not centered and interferes with either nasal passage, this is called a deviated septum. This condition can be caused by a wide variety of issues, including:
- Congenital deformity
- Trauma to the nose
- Nasal drug use that weakens the septum
- Damage to the septum from infections or other health issues
Injuries to the nose caused by car accidents, falls, contact sports and violence can push the septum to one side, resulting in a partial or complete blockage of one or both nasal passages. Some individuals with a deviated septum are born with the condition, but it can worsen with an injury. Damage to the septum from nasal drug use, piercings or other health problems can increase the risk of a deviated septum. Not everyone with a deviated septum has breathing or sinus problems that need treatment, but it is a common cause of nasal health issues.
Deviated Septum Surgery Specialists
A deviated septum is a physical nasal deformity that can cause many nasal health issues. A deviated septum can result in chronic sinusitis/infections, snoring, nose bleeds, difficulty breathing on one side of the nose, nasal valve collapse and nasal congestion. Our ENT specialists at Estrella ENT in Goodyear, AZ, can offer advanced treatment options for those with a deviated septum causing breathing or sinus health problems.
The treatment for a deviated septum depends on the extent of the nasal blockage and the associated health issues. Most people with a deviated septum only have a slight deviation that may not require septoplasty or surgery to repair. However, it can still impact breathing or sinus problems. Treatments to alleviate associated nasal problems can include balloon sinuplasty and the Latera Implant for nasal airway obstruction.
When a deviated septum is causing health problems and cannot be treated with minimally invasive treatments, surgery may be required. Septoplasty can be used to repair a damaged septum and reposition it to create two open, even nasal passages. Septoplasty can be combined with other sinus or nasal passage treatments to improve the overall health and quality of life for the patient.
ENT Specialists in Goodyear and Sun City, AZ
If you live near Goodyear or Sun City, AZ, and have health issues caused by a deviated septum, contact us at Estrella Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) today to schedule your appointment with one of our ENT specialists to determine the best treatment option to improve your breathing and sinus issues. We have offices in Goodyear and Sun City West, AZ, and we offer effective treatments for a deviated septum.