Does This Appear to Be a Deviated Septum? (photo)

Question

I've had some minor breathing issues (especially any time my nose is congested I can barely breathe). I had dental X-rays taken and saw that my septum area looks uneven. Is this normal or could it be deviated?

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

To properly diagnose a deviated septum, you should see a nasal specialist such as an Otolaryngologist (ENT). Often a devaited septum can be the cause but there are other causes for nsal congestion as well. If an X-Ray is necessary, the best one would be  a CT Scan. But that should follow an exam by a doctor and possible medical treatment first.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The best way to determine the reason for your breathing issues is to have a Facial Plastic Surgeon or ENT look inside your nose. They will also review the dynamics or your airway and determine whether the nasal tissues collapse with breathing. A panorex is helpful to look at your teeth and bones but does not reveal much useful information about your airway or the specific cause of your nasal breathing problems. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Dear Chloe 625, a panorex is not as reliable a tool for diagnosing a deviated septum as a clinical exam.  Minor breathing issues and nasal congestion during times of allergy or viral illness are very common and not diagnostic of a septal deviation.  Minor septal deviations are very common and do not require treatment.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

The Dental X-Ray is insufficient.Difficulty breathing most commonly occurs form one of the followings:1. Enlarged turbinates -- sausage like structures that humidify the air that can enlarge from allergies.2. Narrowed Internal or external valves, structures in your nose can collapse when breathing in reducing air flow. Correction requires cartilage grafts to help open the nose at the areas of collapse.3. Deviated Septum4. Polyps5. Broken nasal bones restricting the airwayAn examination and/or CT scan can help with the diagnosis. Best of Luck, An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice. Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A dental x-ray is not sufficient x-ray to diagnose a deviated septum. Physical examination and a CAT scan of the sinuses would determine whether or not there is a deviated nasal septum. There are other causes of nasal  obstruction including hypertrophic turbinates and valve collapse which must be addressed time of the examination by an ENT or facial plastic surgeon.

Does This Appear to Be a Deviated Septum? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Difficulty Breathing

Answer: Difficulty Breathing

Answer: A deviated septum diagnosed with a CAT scan

Answer: A deviated septum diagnosed with a CAT scan

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Does This Appear to Be a Deviated Septum? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Difficulty Breathing

Answer: Difficulty Breathing

Answer: A deviated septum diagnosed with a CAT scan

Answer: A deviated septum diagnosed with a CAT scan

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.