How do I get checked for a deviated septum?

Question

I personally think that one thing that may have caused my sinus problems for all these years is a devated suptum. How do I go about getting checked for it? Is the doctor going to have to shove something up my nose? Will is be a rubber hose?

Answer 1

You need an Ear Nose & Throat doctor. He will probably spray something like novacaine in your nose and then he will stick a small camera on the end of a thin tube up there to take a look around - he also may put some kind of apparatus that spreads the mucus membranes apart for a better look if they are really inflammed. It's kinda gross but it really doesn't hurt. I had it done recently. Had the deviated septum fixed along with some removal of the sinus membrane itself - ah, I can breathe now!! It's worth the discomfort.

Answer 2

The ENT doc will look with a light just like they normally do. If he suspects a deviate septum the ENT doc will use a thinner smaller light to look closer at your nose.