I believe I have a deviated septum. Do I go to my PCP or do I go to and ENT?

Question

My PCP wants to send me for a sleep study test for sleep apnea. If I have obstructive sleep apnea, shoudn't I check my nose first? Thank You.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear guy,If you are having trouble breathing out of your nose, or if you snore, you should see an ENTThe sleep study will determine if you have blockages in your breathing while you sleep, and should still be done if your PCP believes you might have sleep apneaThere are other obstructions that can cause breathing issues like turbinate hypertrophy (other than septal deviations)Best,
Dr. Nima
Member, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified in Head and Neck Surgery

David Stoker, MD · Answer

Ear, nose and throat doctors and plastic surgeons have specialty training and experience in nasal septoplasty surgery. A primary care physician may confirm the diagnosis, but would not perform the septoplasty surgery to correct the problem.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

You should follow you PCP's advice for a sleep study.  A plastic surgeon or ENT is an appropriate consult for a deviated septum. A deviated septum can play a role in sleep apnea, but it is not the only contributing factor. Make sure to seek consultation with a board certified surgeon experienced with nasal reconstruction. Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If you think he may have sleep apnea, you will need to sleep study test   at a hospital.  An ENT physician can make the diagnosis of the deviated septum after a thorough internal examination of the nose.  If it is significantly deviated enough blocking airflow, then a septoplasty may be indicated

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