Only a doctor's examination can determine if you have a deviated septum. Most people have a slightly deviated septum. Most of the time, it does not aggravate symptoms enough to have it surgically corrected. However, if you suffer from chronic sinusitis, it is a good idea to find out if you have a deviated septum. If so, surgery such as endoscopic sinus surgery might permanently improve your breathing.

A straight septum is the cartilaginous and bony partition between the left and right sides of the breathing passageways inside the nose. It becomes deviated either from congenital reasons or from a traumatic injury. A deviation of the nasal septum can cause obstruction of the nasal passages, usually involving one side but occasionally can involve both sides of the nose. See similar questions...

If the septum is crooked, it may block one or both sides of the nose to a variable degree. Many people have a mildly deviated septum that they are unaware of, as it is causing no problem. The more deviated the septum, the more problem it becomes. Probably the most obvious difficulty a deviated septum may cause is blockage to the breathing on one or both sides of the nose. This is a simple architectural problem with part of the septum being pushed into the normal opening. See similar questions...

If the septum is crooked enough to cause symptoms such as those previously mentioned, it can be surgically straightened. The operation that accomplishes this is called a septoplasty. In essence, the mucus membranes are peeled off the underlying cartilage and bone by working through the nostrils. No incisions are made on the outside of the nose. Once the underlying septum is exposed, portions of it can be removed and/or moved back towards the middle. See similar questions...

Jala Neti is not contraindicated at all for a deviated septum, rather is a most advisable practice to help keep your restricted airway better open and free of mucus. However, it will only ever have limited effectiveness until the structural issues are properly addressed. Structural deviations are often accompanied by fleshy build up of scar tissue which further constricts airflow in one or both nostrils. I highly advise you to get it fixed. See similar questions...

Nasal surgery may be performed for cosmetic purposes, or a combination procedure to improve both form and function. It may alleviate or cure nasal breathing problems, correct deformities from birth or injury, or support an aging, drooping nose. Some patients suffer from chronic nasal stuffiness that may be due to chronic breathing problems that don't respond well to standard medical treatment. See similar questions...

The septum is the bone and cartilage which separates the two sides of the nose. A deviated septum is simply a crooked septum. A deviated septum commonly can cause or exacerbate chronic sinusitis by causing a blockage of the nose and also of the drainage area from the sinuses. Most people have a somewhat deviated septum. Just because your septum is deviated, it doesn't mean that it is causing a problem-but it does need to be evaluated. See similar questions...

If there is redness or grazing it is due to inadvertent pressure. The cannula must be off of the nasal septum at all times. Use velcro below the cannula. Nasal erosion or necrosis will not occur if the cannual does not compress the septum. For an area that is red, just reposition the prongs off the septum and allow the area to recover. See similar questions...

Nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, can have a great affect on one's appearance. Even the slightest alteration can make a difference. There are some people that have been unhappy with their nasal appearance their whole lives, and then there are those who have had alterations to their nose as a result of injury. For these individuals, nasal surgery can help renew one's nasal appearance and bring back balance to one's face. See similar questions...

Intraocular lenses (lOLs) are now available and can be placed in the lens capsule inside the eye after removal of the cataract. The purpose is to provide for focusing of images on the retina like the patient had prior to development of the cataracts. lOLs are thus a very good option, but they are not mandatory. Before lOLs were perfected for dogs, the vast majority of our cataract patients functioned well without additional correction. See similar questions...

The septum is the internal divider of the nose made up of two components: 1) septal cartilage - the mobile, lower part of nose closer to lips, and 2) bony septum - the immobile upper portion of nose closer to eyes. See similar questions...

The technique that we use when we perform nasal surgery involves the use of a dissolvable suture that allows us to avoid the use of any nasal packing. This allows for a much more comfortable postoperative course with decreased bruising and swelling and a much faster recovery. See similar questions...

Though complications with nasal surgery are unusual they can occur. Bleeding and infection can be associated with any surgical procedure and they can certainly occur with a rhinoplasty. The biggest complaint though is not accomplishing the result that the patient desired necessitating more surgery. That is why finding a surgeon accomplished in nasal surgery is so important. See similar questions...

At least two weeks prior to surgery you should stop taking aspirin products, ibuprofens, herbal medications or diet pills. You should also eat lightly the night before surgery and not drink alcohol. You should also have all your prescriptions that you would need after surgery purchased and make sure someone is available to be with you after surgery. Also a pre surgical vitamin program developed by our office is helpful in preparing the body for surgery. See similar questions...

with all surgery, anesthetic is used during the operation. This can be either local or general, depending on your wishes. Patients generally report little pain after surgery, mainly just stuffiness from nasal swelling. Medication for discomfort is available, but most patients require very little. Although many of my patients worry about discomfort following a rhinoplasty, at our practice in San Francisco, "nose job" patients are often pleasantly surprised by the ease of recovery. See similar questions...

In many patients, an obstructive deviation of the wall separating the two sides of the nose, called the septum, makes breathing challenging. Frequently, the stuffiness worsens with mild allergies or colds, and can cause sinus headaches. A separate procedure, performed alone or at the same time as the rhinoplasty, can generally eliminate the obstruction. This procedure is called a septoplasty. Other structures in the nose, such as turbinates or polyps, may contribute to the blockage. See similar questions...

Insurance companies usually cover corrective treatments that help fix a functional problem like breathing obstruction. If you have a deviated septum, you may receive some assistance. Furthermore, if your nose problems emanate from an accident, insurance will generally cover some of the cost. We can assist our San Francisco nasal surgery patients with submitting a claim. See similar questions...

Approximately 3 months following surgery you will have a PSA level test done. Because PSA is produced by prostate cells, and your prostate has been removed, your PSA level should become undetectable within 3-6 weeks of radical prostatectomy surgery (as the half-life of PSA is 3.2 days). If this PSA report is < .01 ng/ml or undetectable, then for the moment you are in pretty good shape, and you will be monitored every three months for the next two years. See similar questions...