Deviated Septum Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Deviated Septum

Your doctor will diagnose a deviated septum after taking a complete medical history and physical examination. The examination will include a test to examine the nose and the position of the nasal septum, using a bright light and a speculum, an instrument to spread the nostrils.

Treatments for Deviated Septum

If you have chronic nosebleeds or sinusitis, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called septoplasty.

The procedure, which is generally performed on an outpatient basis, straightens the septum. Your doctor makes a cut inside the septum, then lifts moist tissue lining the sinus cavities (mucous membrane) and repositions the septum so that both sinus cavities are of equal size. The mucous membrane is placed back in position and packed in or stitched to hold position.