Does your nose look crooked?

An active partaker in respiratory functions, the nose plays a significant role in human function, and a slight infection or problem can affect breathing. Like the heart, the septum in the nose (called the nasal septum) which separates the right nostril from the left is very susceptible to deformities. Statistics also suggest that more than half of the population have misaligned septum which may be undetected throughout a lifetime. So, there is a fair chance you suffer from a physical disorder. Examine the symmetry of your nasal cavity; where they don’t seem to be the same, you may have a deviated nasal septum. Depending on the severity, chances are you already have breathing difficulties or other respiratory problems. But don’t worry, a visit to an ENT specialist hospital will determine your exact condition. And in most cases, you’ll probably need to opt for a balloon septoplasty Sugarland TX procedure.

Causes of the deviated nasal septum

Mostly of genetic origins, deviated nasal deformities have been linked to genetic disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Ageing, traumas, and physical injuries are likely causes too. Or during childbirth, the nasal deformity may arise due to severe compression of the nose.

Signs and symptoms may vary from a common cold to respiratory tract complications; sinus infections, snoring, bloody nose, repetitious sneezing, cessation of breathing, and headaches.

Treatment

Nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, and saline nasal rinses are some of the treatment routines for mild cases. But where medications are unsuitable or ineffective, an invasive procedure called septoplasty is a must. This surgery realigns the cartilage, and bone alterations may occur in more severe cases. The surgery is always scheduled until after complete growth of the nose has taken place at age 15. A milder choice is balloon septoplasty Sugarland Tx which utilizes a balloon-like catheter to inflate the nostrils until the septum is in a favorable position. It is however recommended for milder conditions.

Procedure

The position, severity, and other conditions of deviation determine who gets a balloon septoplasty. After adequate examination, the doctor may crossreference your medical history to understand how well your body will react to the procedure.

The FDA-approved balloon septoplasty Sugarland Tx is very simple. First, a topical anesthetic solution in a cotton ball is placed on the site for about 30 minutes. This numbs the pain site completely. Then, the balloon catheter is continuously pumped until the septum has shifted places. The same procedure is repeated for the second nostril until the desired result is achieved. The doctor may remove sharp projections on the septum for those with breathing problems. Once completed, there are no splints or balloons in the nose, and you may be discharged immediately.

While complications may arise, such as bruising or swelling, many patients may not feel pains during the procedure, depending on their body’s response to the anesthetic.

Outcome

The usual outcome is the total disappearance of the deformation. But any sinus or nasal conditions resulting from the surgery may be treated with more severe septoplasty procedures and medical care.