A deviated septum is a condition where the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity is off-center, making it hard to breathe.

Some of the most common symptoms include nasal congestion, headaches, nosebleeds, facial pain, postnasal drip, and loud breathing or snoring during sleep. A deviated septum can also be the cause for sleep apnea and chronic sinus infections.

Causes of a Deviated Septum
It’s estimated that 80% of people have a deviated septum. A deviated septum is most commonly due to genetics, however; can be caused by trauma.

Sinusitis is an uncomfortable medical condition in which the sinuses become inflamed or infected due to interference in the natural drainage of mucus. Your sinuses are located behind your nose, around your eyes, and in your cheekbones. When you develop sinusitis, you may experience pain, nasal discharge, ear fullness, and a cough.

Sinusitis can come on suddenly and subside quickly, or it can develop more gradually and linger for many weeks. No matter what type of sinusitis you might have, a visit to an ENT for a proper diagnosis and treatment is the first step to finding relief from this often-painful condition.

Causes of Blocked Sinuses
There are a variety of reasons why the sinuses might become blocked:

Colds & Other Infections – A cold may cause your sinus and nasal lining to swell, causing sinus openings to become blocked so that mucus backs up. This becomes the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to an infection.

Allergic Reactions – Sensitivity to some substances can lead to the release of histamine, which makes your sinus and nasal linings swell and in turn clogs your sinuses and prevents cilia from sweeping away mucus.

Smell Disorders

• Anosmia is an inability to detect odors.
• Hyposmia is a reduced ability to smell and to detect odors.
• Hyperosmia is an increased ability to smell.
• Dysosmia is a distorted identification of smell. There are three types:
• Parosmia is an altered perception of smell in the presence of an odor.
• Phantosmia is the perception of smell without an odor present
• Agnosia is the inability to classify or contrast odors, although able to detect odors.

Taste Disorders

• Ageusia is the inability to taste.
• Hypogeusia is a reduced ability to taste.
• Dysgeusia is a distorted ability to taste.

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms related to smell and taste disorders, contact us at (337) 237-0650 to schedule your appointment!

Don’t let nasal congestion block up your routine! VivAer™ is an innovative, non-invasive procedure to relieve symptoms associated with nasal airway obstruction, or NAO. This system helps to reshape your nasal passage to improve airflow with minimal discomfort, so you can get back to the things you love without that “stopped-up” feeling that’s been holding you back.

What is VivAer™?
VivAer™ is an FDA-approved treatment option for people experiencing nasal airway obstruction, also known as NAO. This procedure helps patients achieve significant, long-lasting relief from the constant congested feeling that an NAO can cause, all on an outpatient basis. This innovative treatment is now available to patients at Acadian Ear, Nose, Throat, & Facial Plastics Center!

Daily nasal sprays, antihistamines, or corticosteroids just not cutting it? If you’re experiencing a persistently runny nose, postnasal drip, or other sinus issues that aren’t responsive to medication or are lingering, you may be eligible for a RhinAer® procedure! RhinAer® is a new, non-invasive sinus procedure to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with chronic rhinitis.

What is RhinAer®?
RhinAer® is an FDA-approved treatment for people with chronic rhinitis, including constant runny nose, postnasal drip, congestion, coughing, sneezing, and scratchy throat. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can get back to life without the symptoms that have been holding you back. This treatment is now available at Acadian Ear, Nose, Throat, and Facial Plastics Center to help patients find relief!