ENT (Otolaryngology) and Audiology
Main Line Health otolaryngology and audiology experts treat and manage conditions affecting your ears, nose and throat at locations in the Philadelphia area.
Deviated Septum
What is a deviated septum?
The nasal septum is made of cartilage and divides the nose into two separate chambers.
A deviated septum is an abnormal configuration of the cartilage that divides the two sides of the nasal cavity, which may cause congestion, problems with proper breathing, or nasal discharge. Estimates are that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off-center. A deviated septum is when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline.
Symptoms of deviated septum
The most common symptom from a deviated septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and in some cases the drainage of the sinuses is curtailed and results in repeated sinus infections. A deviated septum may be present at birth, caused by an injury, or result from damage from previous medical treatments.
Treatments
Image Guided Sinus Surgery
Image guided endoscopic sinus surgery provides a safer, more efficient approach to procedures that are in close proximity to the eyes, brain and major arteries.
Sinus Surgery
Otolaryngologists will recommend sinus surgery (nose surgery) to improve form or function of the nose, or both.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to open the passages of the nose and sinuses. It is done to treat long-term (chronic) sinus infections. An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) does the surgery.
Rhinoplasty
This is a procedure to alter the appearance of the nose, such as to change the size or angle, or make the nose more symmetrical, or to fix the nose after an injury.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Many people think of plastic surgery as purely cosmetic, but there’s a lot more to this surgical specialty. Plastic surgeons often do reconstructive procedures that can rebuild body parts after an injury or illness.