Deviated Septum in North Richland Hills
A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of chronic nasal obstruction. The nasal septum — the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nose into two passages — ideally runs straight down the middle. When it deviates to one side, it can obstruct airflow and create a range of uncomfortable symptoms. North Hills ENT in North Richland Hills provides both medical and surgical treatment options.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
Septal deviation may be present from birth (congenital) or result from nasal trauma — such as a broken nose from contact sports, a car accident, or a fall. In many cases, the deviation develops gradually as the nose grows during childhood and adolescence. It is estimated that 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation, though only a minority have symptoms significant enough to require treatment.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
- Nasal obstruction on one or both sides of the nose
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Preference for sleeping on a particular side for easier breathing
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Facial pain and headaches
- Awareness of the nasal cycle (one side more congested than the other at different times)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by nasal examination and endoscopy. Your North Hills ENT specialist will visualize the entire nasal cavity using a lighted scope to assess the position and severity of the deviation, as well as evaluate for other contributing factors such as enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For mild-to-moderate symptoms, conservative treatments may provide adequate relief:
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce mucosal swelling
- Nasal decongestants (short-term use only)
- Saline nasal rinses
- Nasal dilators (external strips or internal dilators)
- Treatment of concurrent allergies or sinusitis
Surgical Treatment — Septoplasty
When conservative measures are insufficient, septoplasty — surgical straightening of the nasal septum — is highly effective at restoring nasal airflow. The procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils (no external incisions), is typically outpatient, and has a high success rate.
Contact North Hills ENT
If you are struggling to breathe through your nose, contact North Hills ENT in North Richland Hills at 817-859-8999 to schedule an ENT evaluation. We serve patients throughout the greater DFW Metroplex.