A deviated septum is one of the most common nasal issues and affects your body in many ways. Aside from making you more susceptible to sinus problems, it also affects breathing. The ear, nose, and throat doctors at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy & Sleep Medicine in Lake Havasu City, AZ, share that the side effects are unique to each patient, which is why a specialist should examine and monitor the issue. While highly treatable, it can lead to severe breathing problems for some people. Here is a brief guide about it below. 

What Is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone separating each nasal passage isn’t centered. This misalignment develops from birth or through some form of trauma. The ear, throat, and nose doctors explain that it can cause health issues, including difficulty breathing through the nose, constant or frequent congestion on one side of the nose, nosebleeds, and chronic sinus infections. All of these have an impact on your breathing, especially when you’re sleeping. Both sleep apnea and snoring can be attributed to a deviated septum, resulting in poor sleep and chronic fatigue.

How an Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor Treats It

A deviated septum is easy to treat. Traditional antihistamines, decongestants, and sprays prescribed by your ear, nose, and throat doctor can help side effects, such as headaches, sinus infections, and nasal congestion. However, if related breathing problems are causing sleep apnea and other issues, your doctor may recommend a surgery known as septoplasty. The surgeon removes excess cartilage and bone from the septum, so each passageway is even. It’s a minimally invasive and highly effective procedure, making it possible for nearly all people who have a deviated septum live comfortably.

If you have a deviated septum, turn to the staff at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy & Sleep Medicine in Mohave County for care. They treat a number of sinus problems and sleep disorders and will ensure you achieve relief. Call (928) 854-5368 to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their practice.