Understanding Deviated Septum: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

What is a Deviated Septum?

A septum in a deviated septum is the nasal septum or cartilage that divides the inside of your nose into the left and right chambers. 

When the septum deviates from its midline, it causes congestion and difficulty breathing in the smaller chamber. It also causes drying, crusting, or bleeding in the larger chamber.

Common Causes of Deviated Septum

Most people have deviated septums that cause no to minor symptoms. However, there are causes of deviated septums that can cause significant symptoms. The following causes are:

Congenital

The deviated septum can have developmental causes. It can occur at birth due to genetic factors such as hereditary connective tissue diseases.  

Nose Injury

The deviated septum can also come from traumatic causes. An injury can cause the nasal septum to be displaced to either side. It can happen due to falls, fights, contact sports, automobile incidents, or rough playing. Nasal injuries can also occur in babies due to difficult childbirth. 

Aging

A deviated septum is a common condition. As a person grows, the nasal septum can grow to one side than the other. 

Recognizing Deviated Septum Symptoms

A deviated septum can have severe symptoms affecting a person’s everyday life.

The wider chamber of the nose, caused by a deviated septum, is more exposed to air. This exposure can lead to nasal drying, leading to nose bleeds. 

The more constricted chamber, caused by a deviated septum, can result in nasal congestion. The following complications occur with nasal congestion:

• Recurring sinus infections or sinusitis
• Sinus pressure
• Headaches
• Face pain
• Noisy breathing
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea or difficulty breathing during sleep
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty breathing can lead to chronic mouth breathing
• Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a dry mouth

When Should You See a Doctor?

If your symptoms above do not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter medication, you may want to see a doctor to be healthier and live more comfortably. Furthermore, symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, recurring sinus infections, and frequent nosebleeds require medical consultation.

Diagnosing a Deviated Septum

To diagnose if a person has a deviated septum, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and do a physical examination. If further examination is needed, they may do the following procedures:

Nasal Endoscopy

First, they apply a decongestant spray with lidocaine to prepare your nasal cavity. Lidocaine helps the patient’s comfort with its numbing properties alongside topical anesthesia.

Then, they will use an extended tube scope attached with a bright light and a small camera to look inside. The tube would be connected to a monitor screen.

At the end of the procedure, they will remove the tube and apply a decongestant spray to the nasal cavity again.

CT Scan

If needed, your healthcare provider may recommend a CT scan of the nose. The imaging test can determine the seriousness of the deviated septum and the severity of the symptoms.

After the diagnosis, you may be referred to a sinus surgeon or an ENT specialist. 

How Sinus Surgery Can Help Correct a Deviated Septum

If medical therapy does not alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing, surgery to correct the deviated septum can be recommended.

Septoplasty involves repositioning and aligning the nasal septum to the center of the nose. With nasal septum correction, the patient can benefit by having proper airflow inside the nasal cavity to alleviate symptoms. 

Depending on the severity of the condition, the surgery can be an outpatient or inpatient procedure that lasts 1-2 hours. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend sinus surgery to minimize sinus infections or rhinoplasty to reshape the nose.

Expert Care and Surgical Solutions at Puget Sound Sinus Center

If you are experiencing chronic sinus disease or nasal obstruction, your healthcare provider may refer you to a sinus surgeon. As the only Fellowship-trained Rhinologist and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgeon worldwide, Amy Anstead, MD, FARS, provides surgical solutions and state-of-the-art techniques to alleviate severe symptoms people experience from deviated septums. 

At Puget Sound Sinus Center, we aim to provide personalized, holistic, patient-centered care for maximum comfort and healing.

A deviated septum can cause a domino effect of symptoms that can interfere with your breathing, sleeping, and health. Having performed thousands of successful complex sinus surgeries, Dr. Anstead has treated patients to a better quality of life around the globe. If you’d like to learn more about deviated septums or other sino-nasal surgeries, click the link below! 

Explore Sinus Surgeries

Breaking the mold: Pushing Boundaries: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Nursing’s Hurdles.

Nursing, often referred to as the heart and soul of healthcare, is a demanding profession that requires an extraordinary blend of expertise, empathy, and endurance. While the rewards can be immense, nursing staff routinely confront a range of challenges that stretch their capabilities. Understanding these challenges can pave the way for better support and interventions to empower these healthcare heroes.

1. Physical Demands

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• Nursing is physically taxing. Nurses often spend hours on their feet, lifting and assisting patients, handling medical equipment, and performing clinical tasks. This constant activity can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, fatigue, and long-term health complications.

2. Emotional and Psychological Stress

• Nurses are on the frontline of patient care, bearing witness to suffering, trauma, and sometimes death. These experiences can take an emotional toll. Whether it’s the loss of a patient they’ve grown close to, or dealing with a traumatic emergency case, nurses are vulnerable to feelings of grief, anxiety, and even burnout.

3. Long and Irregular Hours

• Hospitals operate 24/7, and someone must always be there to provide care. As a result, many nurses work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. Such irregular hours can disrupt their body clocks, lead to sleep disorders, and strain personal relationships and family life.

4. Understaffing and Overwork

• In many healthcare settings, particularly during times of crisis or in regions with healthcare shortages, there simply aren’t enough nurses to go around. This results in increased patient loads, longer working hours, and less time for each patient. This not only increases the physical and emotional burden on nurses but can also compromise patient care.

Weeveai.com: Prevent Nursing Staff Burnout

5. Keeping Pace with medical Advances

• The world of medicine is ever-evolving. New treatments, procedures, and technologies emerge regularly. While it’s exciting to witness these advancements, it’s also a challenge for nurses to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. Continuous learning is essential, but finding the time and resources for ongoing education can be difficult.

6. Interprofessional Conflicts

• Healthcare is a team effort. However, differences in opinions and approaches between nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals can lead to conflicts. These disagreements can be about patient care, treatment plans, or professional boundaries. Navigating these dynamics while ensuring the best for the patient adds another layer of complexity to a nurse’s role.

7. Safety Concerns

• Nurses sometimes deal with aggressive or unstable patients, putting their personal safety at risk. Beyond this, they are also at the frontline when pandemics hit, exposing them to potential infections. Furthermore, handling medical equipment and drugs can also pose risks if not done correctly or if equipment is faulty.

8. Administrative Burden

• The modern healthcare environment requires meticulous documentation. Charting patient details, medication timings, treatment plans, and more can be time-consuming. Excessive paperwork can detract from the time and energy that nurses would rather dedicate directly to patient care.

9. Public Perception and Valuation

• While many recognize and appreciate the value nurses bring, some undervalue their skills and contributions, seeing them merely as aides to doctors rather than as skilled professionals in their own right. This can affect their morale and job satisfaction.

10. Work-Life Balance

• Given the demands of the job, many nurses find it challenging to strike a healthy work-life balance. The emotional toll of the job can sometimes bleed into personal life, and the irregular hours can conflict with family time, social events, and self-care.

While the profession of nursing is indeed a noble and rewarding one, it comes with its set of unique challenges. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from healthcare institutions, policymakers, and the community at large (business plan). By providing nurses with the support, training, and resources they need, and by fostering a culture of respect and appreciation, we can ensure not only their well-being but also the continued delivery of outstanding patient care

The Advantages Of Composite Fillings Over Amalgam Filling

If you have a cavity or an old filling due for a replacement, you may wonder whether to opt for a composite or amalgam filing. How do you decide which is material is right for you?

The difference between composite and amalgam

Composite fillings are made of a mixture of liquid acrylic resin. They are reinforced with finely ground ceramic. Composite has many benefits. It’s a non-toxic material that naturally bonds to your tooth structure. Composite makes teeth strong, durable, and less prone to breakage. Composite also provides a natural appearance, matched to the color of your teeth.

Amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings. But they aren’t made of pure silver. Amalgam is a mix of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are very strong and can last years. Amalgam fillings create two risks to your health. First, mercury can leak if an amalgam filling is compromised., amalgam expands and contracts. Overtime it will fail. And as the name implies, these fillings are silver in color Amalgam does not match your natural teeth.

Which type of filling material should you choose?

Both composite and amalgam fillings are used to fill cavities. Choosing which material is right for you comes down to four considerations.

1. Aesthetics. For a beautiful set of teeth composite fillings, are the right choice. They are matched to your tooth color and are indistinguishable from your existing teeth. Composite is always used for front teeth and other visible teeth. It is the best choice if you want all your teeth to be uniform in appearance.
2. Durability. Both amalgam and composite are extremely strong materials. In recent years resins used in composite fillings have become stronger. Now a days composites and amalgam are equally durable.
3. Biocompatibility. The body has natural reactions to materials that cause allergies and toxicities. Amalgam fillings contain mercury. According to the FDA, people with multiple amalgam fillings may have higher mercury levels. But the level is considered safe. Composite fillings, on the other hand are made of biocompatible materials. Biocompatible materials are non-reactive. These materials naturally adhere to the body’s DNA. The result is teeth that are five times stronger than natural teeth. For more information, read the report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the NIH.
4. Cost. The cost of any dental treatment varies depending on insurance coverage. Both amalgam and composite fillings are usually covered by insurance plans. Always check with your insurance company when in doubt. And don’t forget, our practice offers financing and cash discounts.

If you are looking to replace old amalgam fillings, or would like a more aesthetically-pleasing, natural-looking smile, we’re available to talk about your options. 

For more information, please check out Dr. Frahm DDS. 

Medical Evidence for Disability: What Do You Need to Know

The goal of an SSA analyst is to determine if you fall under their definition of Disability so that you can claim long-term disability benefits. As a claimant, you’re responsible for providing medical evidence of your impairments and their severity. While SSA can gather the evidence based on your list of resources, having proof ready makes processing your benefits faster.

Submitting Medical Evidence Scenarios

The SSA analyst will need medical evidence such as copies of your medical records, health worker reports, and recent test results. However, there are some misconceptions people may have that they unintentionally delay filing their claims. Here are some scenarios we hope to clear up:

Scenario 1: You have your copies of medical evidence

Submit them immediately. When you have it ready, it makes filing your claims faster.

Scenario 2: You have incomplete copies of medical evidence

Submit the ones you have immediately. Applying early may help you retain your disability benefits. SSA will do the rest by contacting your medical source(s) to send your other evidence to them. Or you can gather the rest to make the process faster. 

Scenario 3: The obtained evidence from you and your medical source(s) is insufficient 

The SSA analyst will ask you to undergo a Consultative Examination (CE) paid from their pocket. However, SSA may prefer an independent medical source to your hospital or clinic to conduct the CE.

The Three Keys for a Strong Medical Evidence

Ideally, CE is a convenient way for claimants to get a complete and detailed medical record sufficient for SSA. But to save time and energy, you can build robust medical evidence to make your process faster without requiring CE or making several trips to the SSA.

Admissible evidence must have the following:

1. Severity of impairment(s),
2. Duration of the impairment(s), and 
3. Limited functions that the impairments cause (walking, lifting, going to the bathroom, etc.)

We can use SSA CE’s objective and subjective evidence requirements to show the severity and duration of impairment(s) and how it limits the claimant. 

How to Strengthen a Disability Case with Objective Evidence

Objective evidence is measurable or clear signs of abnormalities that cannot be faked or exaggerated:

• Get all recommended diagnostic and laboratory testing.
• Have additional testing to provide more accurate proof of your symptoms and limitations.
• Create a detailed list of your medical appointments. 

How to Strengthen a Disability Case with Subjective Evidence

Subjective evidence is documented symptoms experienced by the claimant. The more consistent the subjective evidence is, the stronger it is as evidence:

• Reporting all your symptoms to your doctors at every appointment for proper documentation
• Following your doctors’ prescriptions and recommended treatments (non-compliance can be seen as disinterest in getting better)
• Keep a detailed record of your medications and their side effects to give SSA an understanding of how your meds can impact your daily Living

How to Strengthen a Disability Case with Medical Expert Opinion

Your healthcare provider’s assessment of your condition can provide insightful information on how it impacts your life. A signed evaluation or narrative letter of your chief complaint(s) can strengthen your case.

Getting treated frequently helps your doctor be familiar with your conditions and their consistency within your medical record.

How Marken Law Can Help You

Consistency among the objective and subjective evidence and medical consultation strengthens your disability case. At Marken Law, we review your disability case for inconsistencies and missing requirements. Then, we add more supportive medical opinions to create your extensive medical evidence. 

Depending on the case, here are our methods to make explicit disability claims for you:

• Interview your doctor through a questionnaire. The questionnaire we provide is relevant to your specific conditions. The results are drafted so the SSA analyst understands how your condition limits your daily activities.
• Collect clarifying answers for you. We contact your healthcare providers on conflicting data, unexplained findings, and complicated conditions so the SSA analyst does not have to.
• Get medical opinions from our medical Network. As lawyers licensed in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California, our medical connections objectively review your medical evidence, and we record their evaluations. Their evaluations can support the expert opinions of your healthcare providers.

Glaring medical evidence cannot be ignored. To get approval for your disability claims fast, you’ll need to get everything right. 

To learn more about this, please check out Marken Law

The Power and Practice of Distance Energy Healing: Bridging the Gap Beyond Physical Boundaries

In a world where modern medicine and technology dominate the healthcare landscape, there exists a realm of healing that transcends the limitations of physical proximity – distance energy healing. This alternative approach to healing has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years, as people seek holistic and non-invasive methods to enhance their well-being. Rooted in ancient traditions and increasingly supported by modern scientific research, energy healing offers a fascinating bridge between the metaphysical and the physical.

Understanding Distance Energy Healing:

At its core, distance energy healing is based on the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected by energy. This approach asserts that individuals possess an energy field or aura that surrounds and penetrates their physical bodies. Disruptions or imbalances in this energy field are thought to manifest as physical, emotional, or psychological ailments. A distance energy healer work on the premise that by manipulating these energies, they can facilitate the healing process, even when the recipient is far away.

Methods of Distance Energy Healing:

Various practices fall under the umbrella of distance energy healing. Some of the most prominent include:

Reiki: A Japanese technique that involves the practitioner channeling energy into the recipient’s energy field to promote healing and balance.

Pranic Healing: Originating from ancient Indian and Chinese practices, pranic healing involves cleansing and energizing the body’s energy centers, known as chakras, to promote healing.

Quantum Healing: Built upon principles from quantum physics, this method posits that healing intentions can influence the behavior of particles at the subatomic level.

Sound Healing: Using vibrations from instruments or the human voice, practitioners believe that specific frequencies can harmonize a person’s energy field and promote healing.

The Scientific Perspective:

While the concepts behind distance energy healing might sound esoteric, there is a growing body of scientific research exploring its potential efficacy. Some studies suggest that intention and focused thoughts can influence physical matter and biological systems. The interconnectedness of all Living things at the quantum level, as described by quantum entanglement, lends some credence to the idea that distant healing could have an impact.

Moreover, the placebo effect demonstrates the power of belief in influencing healing outcomes. If a person believes in the efficacy of a healing method, their body’s natural healing mechanisms might be enhanced, regardless of the physical proximity of the healer.

The Role of Belief and Openness:

Openness to the concept of distance energy healing is crucial for its potential effectiveness. The recipient’s belief in the method and the healer plays a significant role in the outcomes. Skeptics might argue that any perceived benefits are a result of the placebo effect, but proponents argue that dismissing the practice outright might mean missing out on a potentially valuable healing tool.

Ethics and Responsible Practice:

As with any healing practice, distance energy healing comes with ethical considerations. Practitioners should make no false claims, and recipients should be informed that this is a complementary method, not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. It’s essential to seek practitioners who adhere to a code of ethics and provide transparent information about their practices.

The Boundless Potential:

Distance energy healing opens up a world of possibilities. It challenges the conventional boundaries of healing and encourages a more holistic view of health. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern understanding, individuals can explore new avenues for well-being that extend beyond the confines of time and space.

While distance energy healing might not be embraced by all, its continued popularity and the growing body of research exploring its mechanisms suggest that its impact, even if largely psychosomatic, is significant. As the quest for holistic well-being continues, practices like distance energy healing remind us that the mind-body connection is a powerful and mysterious force that can potentially shape our health in unexpected ways.