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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

During a physical exam, your doctor will ask about your symptoms — such as nosebleeds or nasal congestion — and ask whether you've had any trauma to your nose.

Using a bright light and an instrument (nasal speculum) designed to spread open your nostrils, your doctor can examine the inside of your nose. Based on this exam, he or she should be able to diagnose deviated septum and determine the seriousness of your condition.

If treatment is deemed necessary, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Fact sheet: Deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/deviatedSeptum.cfm. Accessed April 27, 2011.
  2. Wang MB. Structural causes of nasal symptoms: An overview. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 27, 2011.
  3. 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.
  4. Ketcham AM, et al. Complications and management of septoplasty. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2010;43:897.
  5. 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.
  6. Antihistamines, decongestants and cold remedies. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/coldRemedies.cfm. Accessed April 29, 2011.
  7. Corticosteroid (nasal route). Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed May 3, 2011.
  8. Wilson MA, et al. Extracorporeal septoplasty. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2011;13:85.
DS00977 July 16, 2011

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