Some research suggests that correcting a deviated septum will ease existing allergies though not all surgeries will correct seasonal issues, and not everyone who suffers from a deviated septum will require a corrective procedure.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a minor surgery used to correct the cartilage and bone that separates the area between the two nostrils of the nose. Typically used to fix a deviated septum, the procedure is a high-demand surgery and requires minimal recovery time. Most patients are in and out on the same day of the surgery, with swelling lasting a few days.
Deviated nasal septums are a common issue in about half of all allergy sufferers, yet only a modest segment need surgery. If you find that you have trouble breathing efficiently through your nose, you may have a deviated septum. Some other factors to consider are:
- Constant and chronic allergies despite the season
- Pain in or around the nose
- Proficient and unexpected nose bleeds
How Does Septoplasty Help Allergies?
As anyone with seasonal allergies or those prone to colds can tell you, it’s easy to take for granted being able to breathe out of both nostrils. This can be exacerbated by a deviated septum since it causes the cartilage that divides each nostril to be bent or crooked.
Allergies can cause inflammation which can then lead to nasal polyps. While nasal polyps are typically painless, larger nodules can obstruct the nasal passage and restrict airflow, making breathing a tough endeavor.
Septoplasty aids the flow of natural breathing by correcting a deviation of cartilage thus helping those suffering from allergies and chronic sinus infections.
Are There Risks Involved in Septoplasty?
No surgery is without its risks but Septoplasty is a relatively simple outpatient procedure. However, it is worth noting these possible risks when thinking about getting Septoplasty:
- A Diminished sense of smell
- Numbness in your gums or teeth
- Unexpected nose bleeds
How Long Is the Recovery Time?
Most people see slight swelling directly after the surgery that lasts for one to three days. The total recovery time for the septum to heal is three to six months. While the improvements in allergies vary from person to person, most allergy sufferers see significant improvements after Septoplasty.
Do you suffer from allergies and think a septoplasty could help? Call us at New York ENT, 212-873-6036, to book a consultation and get our expert advice.
