Deviated Septum
Treatment in Austin, TX
Struggling to breathe through your nose? A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of chronic nasal obstruction. Capital ENT's board-certified specialists diagnose and correct deviated septums with proven surgical and non-surgical options — so you can breathe freely again.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two passages. When this wall is significantly off-center or crooked, it's called a deviated septum. This structural issue can restrict airflow through one or both sides of the nose, leading to chronic congestion, difficulty breathing, recurring sinus infections, and sleep problems.
Some people are born with a deviated septum, while others develop one after a nasal injury. It's estimated that up to 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation — but only those with significant deviation experience symptoms that warrant treatment.
- Most common structural cause of nasal obstruction
- Can be present from birth or caused by injury
- Often contributes to recurring sinus infections
- Affects sleep quality and exercise tolerance
- Correctable with outpatient surgery
Most patients return to normal activity within a week.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum may not always cause noticeable symptoms. When it does, these are the most common signs.
One-Sided Nasal Obstruction
Difficulty breathing through one side of the nose, especially noticeable during exercise, at night, or when lying on one side. This is the hallmark symptom of a deviated septum.
Frequent Nosebleeds
The surface of a deviated septum can become dry from uneven airflow, making the nasal lining more prone to cracking and bleeding.
Recurring Sinus Infections
A deviated septum can block normal sinus drainage, trapping mucus and creating an environment where bacteria thrive. Patients may experience 4 or more sinus infections per year.
Noisy Breathing or Snoring
Turbulent airflow through a narrowed nasal passage can cause audible breathing during the day and loud snoring at night, sometimes contributing to sleep apnea.
Facial Pain or Headaches
Pressure from a severely deviated septum pressing against the lateral nasal wall can cause one-sided facial pain or headaches, sometimes mimicking sinus pressure.
Sleep Disruption
Chronic nasal obstruction forces mouth breathing during sleep, leading to dry mouth, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and increased snoring.
When to See an ENT Specialist for a Deviated Septum
Your primary care doctor can prescribe nasal sprays, but if breathing problems persist, an ENT specialist can evaluate the underlying structure and offer definitive treatment.
| See an ENT Specialist | Start With Your PCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing | ✓ Persistent one-sided nasal obstruction | ▸ Occasional mild congestion |
| Sinus Infections | ✓ 3+ infections per year | ▸ 1–2 infections per year |
| Treatment Response | ✓ Nasal sprays haven't helped | ▸ Sprays provide adequate relief |
| Evaluation | ✓ CT scan + endoscopy needed | ▸ Clinical exam sufficient |
| Sleep Impact | ✓ Snoring or sleep apnea concerns | ▸ No sleep symptoms |
| Surgical Options | ✓ Septoplasty available | ✗ Not available |
How We Treat a Deviated Septum
Treatment starts with a thorough evaluation and conservative measures. Surgery is recommended only when non-surgical options haven't provided adequate relief.
Comprehensive Evaluation
An ENT examines your nasal passages with a nasal endoscope and orders an in-office CT scan to map the anatomy of your septum, turbinates, and sinuses.
Medical Management
Nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline irrigation, and decongestants can reduce swelling and improve airflow. This is often the first step for mild to moderate symptoms.
Septoplasty
When medications aren't enough, septoplasty straightens the septum to restore balanced airflow. The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes and most patients go home the same day.
Combined Procedures
If turbinate enlargement, nasal valve collapse, or sinus disease is also present, your surgeon may combine septoplasty with turbinate reduction, nasal valve repair, or sinus surgery for comprehensive correction.
Why Choose Capital ENT for Deviated Septum Treatment
Our Expertise
What sets Capital ENT apart:
- 4 board-certified otolaryngologists
- Thousands of septoplasty procedures performed
- In-office CT scanner for same-day imaging
- In-office nasal endoscopy
- Full range of nasal procedures under one roof
- 4 convenient Central Texas locations
Your First Visit
What to expect at your consultation:
- Thorough review of your breathing history and prior treatments
- Nasal endoscopy to visualize septal anatomy
- In-office CT scan if needed (results in minutes)
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and all treatment options
- Personalized treatment plan based on your anatomy
- Insurance verification before any procedures are scheduled
Septoplasty — Straighten Your Septum, Restore Your Breathing
For patients with a significantly deviated septum who haven't found relief with medications, septoplasty is a safe, effective outpatient procedure to straighten the nasal septum and restore balanced airflow. Most patients return to normal activity within a week.
Capital ENT's board-certified surgeons perform septoplasty routinely and often combine it with turbinate reduction or sinus surgery for comprehensive nasal correction.
Learn More About SeptoplastyDeviated Septum FAQ
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side. This can narrow one nasal passage and make breathing difficult. While many people have some degree of septal deviation, a significantly deviated septum can cause chronic nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus infections, nosebleeds, and sleep disruption.
Common signs include difficulty breathing through one or both sides of your nose, frequent nosebleeds, recurring sinus infections, facial pain or headaches, and noisy breathing during sleep. An ENT specialist can confirm the diagnosis with a nasal endoscopy and CT scan during an office visit.
Mild symptoms can often be managed with nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, and saline irrigation to reduce swelling and improve airflow. However, these treatments address symptoms — not the underlying structural problem. If conservative measures don't provide adequate relief, septoplasty is the definitive correction.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the nasal septum. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a week. Capital ENT's board-certified surgeons perform septoplasty routinely with excellent outcomes.
Yes. Septoplasty is considered a medically necessary procedure when a deviated septum causes documented breathing difficulty, and most insurance plans cover it. Our office will verify your benefits and obtain prior authorization before scheduling surgery.
Most patients return to desk work within 3 to 5 days and resume full activity in about 2 weeks. Nasal packing is rarely used at Capital ENT, and most patients report that recovery is more comfortable than expected. Breathing improvement is typically noticeable within the first few weeks.
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs. Most patients do not need a referral to see our specialists. Call 512-339-4040 to schedule.
Breathe Freely Again
Our board-certified ENT specialists are ready to evaluate your nasal obstruction and recommend the right treatment. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations.