Top Reasons to Seek Out a Septoplasty Doctor
The main reason a septoplasty is performed is to treat a deviated nasal septum. However, sometimes the procedure is needed during other surgeries, like sinus surgery or tumor removal. In fact, there are many different reasons patients seek out this procedure. It can also help people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea where non-surgical treatments had no effect. It can also help treat enlarged turbinates when breathing problems develop.
What’s in a Nose?
The nasal septum is a structure that supports and separates the airways. The mucous is a layer of skin inside the nose that protects the septum and keeps the nostrils moist. Turbinates are long, narrow bone passages that extend into the breathing passages, creating four passages into the nasal airway. They are covered by the mucosal tissue and are necessary for the process of air moving into the body’s cells. The turbinates also trap and filter out large airborne particles.
What is a Septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that fixes a blockage or a deviated septum, a condition involving the movement of cartilage and bone in the nose. It is a procedure usually carried out as an outpatient surgery.
Reasons to Get a Septoplasty
A deviated septum can block an airway, making it difficult to breathe. When the septum is exposed to airflow, it can cause bleeding and crusting, blocking airflow even more. You may suffer from a deviated septum if you have trouble breathing through your nose.
Other causes of a deviated septum include chronic lung disease, polyps, turbinate hypertrophy, and even allergies. This procedure may be an option for those who tried nasal steroids and other non-surgical treatment with no results. Trauma can also result in a deviated septum.
Septoplasty for Children
Since children still have developing cartilage, it’s not usually performed on children; however, there are a few exceptions. If children suffer from bloody noses, frequent sinus infections, loud breathing while they sleep, headaches, or pain in the face, they may be a candidate for a septoplasty procedure.
The Procedure
During your consultation, we perform a physical exam, take necessary tests, and fully inspect the nose. This is also the time to discuss medical history, including previous conditions and reactions to medications. Make sure to discuss what your expectations are regarding the procedure.
Moving Forward
If you are looking for a septoplasty doctor, look no further than Dr. Daniel J. Leeman in Austin, TX. Contact us today to set up your initial consultation! We look forward to speaking with you.