Breathing freely is something most people don’t even consider until a structural issue makes it difficult. At Atkins Expert Sinus Care, we can help treat chronic nasal conditions caused by septal deviation at our San Antonio, TX, ear, nose, and throat clinic. Accurate diagnosis and prompt, effective treatment are the first steps towards achieving relief, allowing you to participate in all the activities you love without struggling to breathe.
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal cavity into two nostrils. When this wall is off-center or crooked, it’s called a deviated septum. In some people, this condition is present from birth. In others, it results from injury or trauma to the nose.
A septal deviation can partially or completely block airflow in one or both nostrils, leading to chronic nasal obstruction and sinus issues. At Atkins Sinus, we help patients in Montreal and beyond breathe easier through advanced diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Mild septal deviations may not cause any noticeable issues, but when symptoms occur, they can significantly impact quality of life.
You Might Have a Deviated Septum If You Experience:
If you’re constantly congested or feel like one side of your nose is always blocked, it may be time to see a sinus specialist.
At Atkins Sinus, we use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the nasal passages and determine the severity of the deviation.
Diagnostic Steps May Include:
These tools help us determine if a septal deviation is contributing to your symptoms or other conditions like chronic sinusitis or sleep apnea.
The right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much the deviation affects your breathing or sinus function.
Treatment May Include:
At Atkins Sinus, our ENT specialists perform minimally invasive septoplasty procedures tailored to your needs, often with a quick recovery timeline.
Common Causes Include:
When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, our ENT specialist may recommend deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty. Our medical providers will physically straighten the cartilage and bone, opening up the nasal passage. Some of the most noticeable benefits include:
Living with chronic nasal congestion and sinus pressure prevents you from enjoying life to the fullest. You do not have to accept poor sleep, frequent infections, and difficulty breathing as your normal baseline. The team at Atkins Expert Sinus Care is dedicated to providing specialized, patient-focused care to resolve underlying structural issues in the nose and sinuses. Book your consultation today to discover how we can help.
A misaligned septum disrupts the natural flow of air and the normal drainage of your sinuses. Even a moderate septal deviation can lead to a surprising number of secondary health issues. Some of the most common complications that affect patients with a septal deviation include the following:
We categorize septal deviation types based on their specific shape, severity, and location. These factors will help us determine the best course of treatment. Degree I is a mild bend that does not interfere with the inferior turbinate. However, degrees II and III can lead to varying degrees of blockages. Some of the most common septal deviation types include the following:
Not everyone with a misaligned septum requires surgical intervention. In fact, many people have a slight deviation and never experience any negative symptoms. We offer numerous non-invasive treatment options, including corticosteroids and decongestants. However, deviated septum surgery may become necessary when conservative treatments no longer control your symptoms, and blockage begins to interfere with your day-to-day life. Our ENT specialists may recommend surgery for the following:
Our patients are usually surprised by how manageable the recovery from deviated septum surgery truly is. Many experience mild swelling, nasal congestion, and minor drainage for the first few days following the procedure. However, they feel comfortable returning to work or school within a week.
Yes. At Atkins Expert Sinus Care, we offer in-office septoplasty for qualifying patients. Performing this procedure in our comfortable clinic setting provides a more personalized experience, eliminates the need for a stressful hospital visit, and generally results in a faster, smoother recovery.
Yes. A deviated septum can become more pronounced as you age, as the cartilage in the nose naturally changes and can weaken over time. Previously asymptomatic patients may experience issues as they get older.
Because a deviated septum causes functional breathing problems and recurrent medical issues, most health insurance providers cover septoplasty when it is deemed medically necessary. At Atkins Expert Sinus Care, we work with your insurance provider to ensure you’re covered before the procedure.
If you’re experiencing chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, or breathing difficulties — especially on one side — don’t ignore the signs. A deviated septum is a treatable condition, and effective solutions are available.
Book a consultation with the team at Atkins Sinus to find out if septoplasty or another treatment is right for you.
Atkins Sinus Expert Care is committed to providing personalized care, cutting-edge equipment, and a level of experience you won't find elsewhere.
Otolaryngologist, Founder of Atkins Expert Sinus Care
Otolaryngologist, Fellowship-Trained Rhinologist
Physician Assistant
Book through our online patient portal and let us know some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Our team will review your symptoms at your visit and decide what diagnostic tests are needed to get to the root of your problem.
Once the diagnostic tests are done, our team will review them and make a plan of care for you. At that time, they will discuss whether you are a candidate for one of our procedures.
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