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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred directly to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. For a deviated septum and its complications, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Are there other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, such as:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- Have you experienced any nasal trauma due to a sports injury, car accident or other mishap?
- Have you had previous nasal surgery?
- Fact sheet: Deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/deviatedSeptum.cfm. Accessed April 27, 2011.
- Wang MB. Structural causes of nasal symptoms: An overview. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 27, 2011.
- Septal deviation and perforation. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091f.html. Accessed April 27, 2011.
- Ketcham AM, et al. Complications and management of septoplasty. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2010;43:897.
- Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/sec08/ch089/ch089c.html. Accessed April 27, 2011.
- Antihistamines, decongestants and cold remedies. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/coldRemedies.cfm. Accessed April 29, 2011.
- Corticosteroid (nasal route). Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed May 3, 2011.
- Wilson MA, et al. Extracorporeal septoplasty. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2011;13:85.
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