Septal Deviation (Deviated Septum) in Gurnee & Libertyville
The nasal septum is the thin wall that divides the left and right sides of your nose. When it bends or shifts out of place, it’s called a deviated septum—a common cause of nasal blockage, snoring, and chronic sinus infections. At Lake County ENT, we evaluate your nasal structure and breathing patterns to determine whether simple medical management or surgery (septoplasty) will help you breathe easier.
What it is
A bend or displacement of the nasal septum that narrows one or both nasal passages, making breathing difficult.
Who it affects
Anyone—often caused by injury, genetics, or natural growth. Symptoms tend to worsen with age or sinus inflammation.
How we help
Detailed nasal evaluation, imaging if needed, and treatment plans including medications or septoplasty surgery.
Trouble breathing through your nose? We’ll help you find the cause and the right solution.
Common Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
- Chronic nasal congestion (often worse on one side)
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Recurring sinus infections
- Facial pressure or headaches
- Noisy breathing during sleep or mild snoring
Why It Happens
- Birth defect: Congenital septal deviation from birth
- Injury: Nasal trauma from sports or accidents
- Growth variation: Uneven development as the face matures
- Previous surgery: Postoperative changes or scar tissue
- Inflammation: Chronic swelling from allergies or sinus disease
When to call us: Constant nasal blockage, frequent sinus infections, or breathing difficulty that isn’t improving.
Call 911 for facial trauma with heavy bleeding or suspected nasal fracture.
How We Diagnose Septal Deviation
Our Evaluation
- Review of breathing symptoms and history of trauma
- Examination of the nasal passages using a bright light or endoscope
- Assessment for sinus inflammation, polyps, or allergic swelling
Tests We May Use
- CT scan: To evaluate septal shape and sinus drainage
- Endoscopy: In-office visualization of the nasal cavity
- Allergy testing: If swelling or congestion is related to allergies
Don’t live with constant nasal blockage. We can correct it comfortably and safely.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Care
- Saline sprays or irrigations to reduce dryness and swelling
- Prescription or over-the-counter nasal steroids
- Allergy management and avoidance of irritants
- Humidification and hydration to ease congestion
Septoplasty Surgery
- Septoplasty: Straightens and repositions the septum inside the nose
- Performed entirely through the nostrils—no external scars
- Can be combined with sinus surgery or rhinoplasty if needed
- Typically done under local or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: Discuss breathing concerns and prior treatments
- Exam & testing: In-office nasal evaluation and imaging if indicated
- Plan together: Clear next steps for medical or surgical correction
Good to Know
- Most patients breathe noticeably better within 1–2 weeks after septoplasty
- Minimal downtime; mild swelling or congestion is normal initially
- Results are long-lasting and can greatly improve sleep and sinus health
We’ll help you breathe, sleep, and live more comfortably—starting with a simple exam.
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Ready to breathe easier? Our ENT specialists can straighten your septum and restore balance to your breathing.