While surgery is a common treatment for a deviated septum, it’s not the first thing your caregiver is likely to recommend. Instead, medications like decongestants and antihistamines can be used to combat nasal swelling. If these medications don’t provide the relief you need, surgery may be your next best choice.

While not all cases of deviated septums are serious enough to warrant surgery, there are cases in which a less significant form of medical intervention may be necessary. If your symptoms are interfering with your ability to function and enjoy life, it’s time to see an ENT specialist for care.

If your septum is deviated enough that surgery is called for, then your ENT can perform a septoplasty surgery. This surgery is performed through the nostrils and involves removing or repositioning the tissue of the septum to allow for better airflow.