Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum - Deviated septums and sinusitis

Conditions and Diseases > Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum > Deviated septums and sinusitis

Do you have a cold or a sinus infection? Learn the difference plus more info on different types of sinus infections (sinusitis) here....

Q: Deviated septums and sinusitis

asked by: DoctorQuestion on May 19th, 2008

I have chronic sinus congestion, and have had it since I was 14 years old. I am now 37. Since I was in my teens, one nostril has always been clogged. Not most of the time, but always. However, it is not the same one all the time. In fact, I have literally had my left nostril clogged completely and in a matter of ten seconds or so, it will switch over to the right nostril, and the left is clear. All of my symptoms seem like a deviated septum, but I can't find any information about the clogged nostril shifting with a deviated septum.

I have lived with this condition because it never really affected me that much. It was just kind of a nuisance. In the past five years or so, I have started having problem with allergies, and it's just gotten worse. I now have had a sinus infection (perhaps?) for about two months. I have daily sinus headaches, coughing, and nasal drip that I can't seem to shake. Any ideas? Thanks!

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on May 20th, 2008

Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Answer A4147

Reviewing your symptoms (nasal congestion, sinus headache, coughing, nasal drip…) that last for more than 23 years, you probably have been experiencing chronic sinusitis. A deviated nasal septum is one of the most common reasons for developing chronic sinusitis. A deviated nasal septum makes the mucus drainage more difficult and further creates conditions for frequent bacterial infections. Allergies and improper treatment of acute bacterial sinus infections can also cause chronic sinusitis. Nasal inspection and an X-ray image of the nose and para-nasal sinuses are required for diagnosing the chronic sinusitis and deviated nasal septum. Microbiological examination of nose and throat samples is necessary to identify the infective agent and to choose the proper antibiotic. Chronic rhinitis and sinusitis often lead to polyp development that worsens the symptoms. If a deviated nasal septum is diagnosed, surgical intervention is recommended. Nasal polyps are also removed surgically.

You may want to consult an ENT-specialist about your condition.

DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.

This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc