If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, frequent congestion, or sinus problems, you might wonder whether you’re dealing with a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or both. These two conditions are common but have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the difference can help you recognize when to seek medical help and what deviated septum repair in Los Angeles options might work best.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing your nasal passages. In an ideal situation, the septum sits perfectly in the center, allowing equal airflow through each nostril. A deviated septum occurs when this wall leans to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This imbalance can lead to various breathing and sinus issues.
Causes of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum can happen for a few reasons:
- Congenital Defects: Some people are born with a deviated septum, as it can develop in the womb.
- Injury or Trauma: A blow to the nose from sports, falls, or accidents can push the septum out of place.
- Development Over Time: As the face grows, especially during adolescence, the septum can shift, leading to a deviation.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
The most common symptoms of a deviated septum include:
- Breathing Difficulty: One side of the nose may feel consistently blocked or harder to breathe through.
- Frequent Sinus Infections: Poor drainage due to blockage can increase the risk of infections.
- Nasal Congestion: This can occur mainly on one side.
- Snoring or Noisy Breathing: Blocked airflow can cause snoring or a whistling sound while breathing.
Treatment for a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum may not require treatment if it’s mild and not causing significant symptoms. However, for more severe cases, treatments include:
- Medications: Nasal sprays or decongestants may reduce swelling and help with breathing, but they won’t fix the structural issue.
- Septoplasty: This surgical procedure straightens the septum by repositioning and removing parts of it to improve airflow. It’s usually done under local or general anesthesia, with a recovery period of about one to two weeks.
Also Read: Nasal Obstruction From a Deviated Septum: What You Should Know
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They often appear as teardrop-shaped or grape-like structures and can vary in size. While small nasal polyps might not cause symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow and lead to sinus issues.
Causes of Nasal Polyps
The exact cause of nasal polyps isn’t fully understood, but they’re typically associated with chronic inflammation of the nasal passages due to conditions such as:
- Chronic Sinusitis: Persistent inflammation in the sinuses can trigger polyp formation.
- Asthma: People with asthma have a higher risk of developing nasal polyps.
- Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies, especially hay fever, can cause long-term irritation and inflammation, promoting polyp growth.
- Aspirin Sensitivity: Certain sensitivities or immune system issues may also increase the risk of nasal polyps.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
When nasal polyps grow larger, they can block the nasal passages and lead to symptoms like:
- Persistent Nasal Congestion: Polyps can make it feel as if you always have a stuffy nose.
- Reduced Sense of Smell: Obstruction or inflammation can impact smell.
- Frequent Sinus Infections: Blocked passages are more prone to infections.
- Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus may drip down the throat, causing coughing.
- Facial Pain and Pressure: Larger polyps can create discomfort around the cheeks and forehead.
Treatment for Nasal Polyps
Treating nasal polyps focuses on reducing their size, relieving symptoms, and preventing recurrence. Options include:
- Medications: Corticosteroid nasal sprays can shrink polyps by reducing inflammation. In some cases, oral steroids or injections may be used temporarily.
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: If medications aren’t effective, an ENT specialist may recommend endoscopic surgery to remove the polyps and improve breathing. This minimally invasive procedure uses a tiny camera to guide the removal process.
Also Read: Choosing the Right Sinus Doctor for Nasal Polyps Treatment
Key Differences Between Deviated Septum and Nasal Polyps
While both a deviated septum and nasal polyps affect breathing and can cause similar symptoms, they’re different in origin and structure:
- Anatomy: A deviated septum is a structural issue with the cartilage dividing the nostrils, while nasal polyps are soft tissue growths inside the nasal passages or sinuses.
- Cause: A deviated septum typically results from genetics or trauma, whereas nasal polyps are often linked to chronic inflammation and allergies.
- Treatment: Septoplasty is the main surgical solution for a deviated septum, while nasal polyps may be treated with medication or endoscopic surgery.
Recognizing When to See an ENT Specialist
If you experience persistent nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, difficulty breathing through your nose, or loss of smell, it may be time to see an ENT specialist for deviated septum repair in Los Angeles. An ENT doctor can diagnose whether your symptoms stem from a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or another condition.
How an ENT Diagnoses Deviated Septum and Nasal Polyps
An ENT specialist will conduct a physical examination of the nose and may use a nasal endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to get a closer look inside your nasal passages. Imaging studies, such as CT scans, can provide detailed pictures of your nasal structure and sinuses to confirm the diagnosis.
Long-Term Management and Prevention
For many patients, managing a deviated septum or nasal polyps involves ongoing care, especially if they experience chronic sinus issues. Preventative steps can help minimize symptoms and recurrence:
- Managing Allergies: Reducing exposure to allergens and taking allergy medications can help control inflammation.
- Humidification: Using a humidifier can keep nasal passages moist, reducing irritation.
- Avoiding Irritants: Smoking, pollution, and chemical fumes can worsen symptoms and should be avoided.
- Regular Check-Ups: For those with chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps, regular ENT visits help monitor and manage symptoms before they worsen.
Combining Treatments for Lasting Relief
In some cases, patients may have both a deviated septum and nasal polyps. Treatment often involves a combined approach, addressing both issues simultaneously. Septoplasty can improve airflow, while polyp removal reduces inflammation and congestion. Working closely with an ENT specialist ensures the most effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Both a deviated septum and nasal polyps can make breathing difficult, impact your sense of smell, and lead to recurrent sinus infections. Recognizing the differences between these two conditions can help you seek the right treatment and improve your quality of life. With proper diagnosis and care, an ENT specialist can provide options to reduce your symptoms and help you breathe easier. Whether you need surgery, medication, or lifestyle adjustments, there are effective ways to address these common nasal issues and find lasting relief.
Contact the Southern California Sinus Institute for a consultation with Dr. Alen, N. Cohen, MD.