Tag nasal breathing

Breathing through your nose should feel effortless no matter what you are doing. However, for some people, it isn’t. Several issues can affect your ability to breathe effectively and efficiently through your nose. A deviated septum, chronic congestion, or prior nasal trauma can create challenges. This can make daily life a struggle, especially for active people. Effective treatment options can address the issue. You may wonder: Does septoplasty improve breathing? Below is helpful information about the procedure and why it may be right for you.

Does Septoplasty Improve Breathing?

Before surgery, many patients want to understand how effective septoplasty is. The procedure corrects structural problems inside the nose. This can improve breathing. Septoplasty straightens the septum, which is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates each nasal passage. When the septum is crooked, it restricts airflow. This can affect one or both nasal passages. After healing from surgery, patients report improvement in nasal breathing.

Results depend on your surgeon’s experience and expertise. This is why it is important to work with a top surgeon at the leading plastic surgery center. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. In some cases, additional treatment is necessary. A skilled surgeon can assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

Common Causes of a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum can make daily life challenging. Treatment can effectively address the issue. To determine if septoplasty is right for you, a surgeon will need to assess the cause of your deviated septum. Below are some common causes.

Congenital Deviation

Some patients are born with a septum that grows unevenly. This type of deviation is often present from childhood. This can occur even without injury or trauma to the nose. While the issue may develop in childhood, symptoms may not become noticeable until adulthood. This is because nasal tissue continues to change as you age.

Trauma or Injury

Trauma or injury during birth, childhood, or even adulthood can cause issues with the septum. Assisted deliveries can affect nasal structure. Pressure on the nose while passing through the birth canal can also shift the septum. Trauma or injury to the septum during birth or childhood is often not noticeable. Breathing problems often develop in later childhood or adulthood.

Trauma or injury during adulthood can also cause issues. Common causes include car accidents, physical sports, or even a fall. As with birth-related or childhood trauma, these symptoms may develop much later after the accident.

Aging and Cartilage Changes

The septum can shift throughout your lifetime. It is not a static body part. As you get older, nasal cartilage loses some of its structural support. This can cause the septum to shift from the center. This often happens gradually, so you may not notice the issue right away. If you notice breathing issues develop as you age, consult with a plastic surgeon.

Chronic Nasal Inflammation

Allergies, sinus infections, and environmental irritants can cause long-term inflammation. This can affect the tissue surrounding the septum. Repeated swelling and healing can alter the shape of the nasal structure over time. If you leave allergies and sinus infections unaddressed, you may develop a deviated septum. The same is true for consistent exposure to certain environmental irritants.

What to Expect from Septoplasty

Septoplasty involves repositioning or removing the deviated cartilage and bone in the septum. This widens the nasal passages and reduces airflow resistance. Patients often report improved breathing after the surgery heals. They also notice reduced snoring and better airflow during intense physical activity. Because the nasal obstruction has been removed, sleep quality also improves.

The surgery generally takes one to two hours. This depends on the complexity of your case. Surgical time may take longer if you are getting more than one procedure at the same time. Patients often undergo general anesthesia. However, some may be under light sedation with local anesthesia. We will discuss this at your consultation so you are prepared on the day of surgery. Septoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. After a short post-op observation, you can go home.

Top Plastic Surgery Center

Breathing issues can make daily life challenging. If you need treatment, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule your consultation!

A deviated septum is a common condition that can have a real impact on your daily life. Some people experience mild symptoms without realizing the cause is a structural issue. A deviated septum can impact your breathing, sleep, and overall health if left untreated. Patients often think the issue will go away on its own if they do not understand the root cause. You may wonder, can a deviated septum get worse over time? Below you will find information on when you should seek treatment.

Can a Deviated Septum Get Worse Over Time?

Over time, a deviated septum can get worse. The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passages into left and right airways. When it is not centered, it narrows one or both passages. This restricts airflow when you breathe during the day and night. While some patients can become accustomed to a mild deviation for years, it can worsen over time.

In fact, many people experience a gradual and progressive decline in nasal function. There are several reasons for this. These include the natural aging process, chronic inflammation, and nasal injuries. When you notice your symptoms getting worse, it is time to contact a professional at the plastic surgery center for a thorough evaluation.

Factors that Worsen a Deviated Septum

Several factors can worsen a deviated septum. They can push an existing deviation even further out of alignment. This can make breathing, sleeping, and your daily life difficult.

Natural Aging

Nasal cartilage loses its natural elasticity over time. When the cartilage naturally softens, the septum can shift even more. Patients who have only mild obstruction may notice more issues as they get older. The structural integrity of the septum relies on the surrounding tissue. When this weakens, the symptoms can get much worse.

Chronic Nose Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can worsen a deviated septum. This includes chronic sinusitis, allergies, or recurring nasal polyps. These issues cause persistent swelling inside the nasal cavity. This puts constant pressure on the surrounding tissues in the nose, including the septum. Managing the inflammation does not correct the underlying structural issue. However, it can make it much worse and exacerbate symptoms.

Nose Trauma

A secondary injury to the nose can further displace an already deviated septum. Even minor trauma can cause issues when the alignment of the nose changes; the symptoms of a deviated septum can worsen. Every injury adds to the complexity of the issue. This requires a thorough evaluation and treatment to address your symptoms.

Signs You Need an Evaluation

Understanding the early warning signs of a worsening deviated septum is key. Recognizing the signs ensures timely intervention. Avoid waiting to see a professional if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Increased Nasal Obstruction

Once minor blockages worsen and breathing becomes difficult, it is necessary to consult with a professional. This is especially true if the obstruction impacts sleep, physical activity, or your daily life. Nasal obstruction that gets worse over time is often due to structural issues, like a deviated septum.

Worsening Sleep Disruption

Sleep is an integral part of your overall health. Breathing difficulties during sleep can impact the amount and quality of sleep that you get. Over time, this can have a serious impact on your health. Common symptoms include snoring, mouth breathing, and frequent wakeups. Left unaddressed, poor sleep can impact your cognition, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life.

Recurring Sinus Infections

Frequent sinus infections are a notable red flag. Severe cases trap mucus and create an environment where bacteria can thrive. If you get more than three sinus infections each year, it is time to get evaluated. Without addressing the structural issue, managing the sinus infections alone is not enough.

How Septoplasty Addresses a Deviated Septum

The first step in addressing your deviated septum is scheduling a consultation. A skilled surgeon can assess your nasal structure and symptoms. From there, they can create a treatment plan based on your unique needs. Surgical intervention is highly effective and can improve your daily life. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat a deviated septum. The procedure repositions and reshapes the displaced bone and cartilage. This centers and restores the airway to its proper function. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day.

Top Plastic Surgery Center

Issues related to your deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties. If you are struggling with a deviated septum, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule a consultation!