“Deviated septum?”
I recently had a brain MRI for which the radiologist mentioned a deviated septum and spur. However, my PCP said that the MRI was normal. She does not feel that a referral to an ENT is warranted and has instead prescribed allergy medication for my chronic symptoms (sneezing, stuffiness, feeling of something stuck in the throat behind my nose, difficulty breathing through the nose and swallowing, nose pain, frequent sinus infections). There's been no improvement in the symptoms since beginning the allergy medicine 6 weeks ago. Should/can I seek a second opinion without my PCP referring me to another doctor?
Female | 48 years old
Complaint duration: 3+ years
Medications: Montelukast
4 Answers
Good questions.
There is a deviation in the septum on the image I see. Some people have that and are fine. Others may have symptoms. It sounds like you are having symptoms. I think it is very reasonable to be seen by an ENT and get their thoughts.
Lex Mitchell
There is a deviation in the septum on the image I see. Some people have that and are fine. Others may have symptoms. It sounds like you are having symptoms. I think it is very reasonable to be seen by an ENT and get their thoughts.
Lex Mitchell
ENT Evaluation is warranted.
That depends entirely on what sort of health insurance you have. Some allow direct patient contact to certain specialists, others do not. Some encourage second opinions, others discourage it. Check you policy. If that doesn’t help, tell your PCP that the treatment prescribed isn’t helping ad that you wish for a second opinion. If your PCP is not a complete ass, s/he will humor you.
Yours truly,
Dr. Richard Evan (Rick) Steele
Yours truly,
Dr. Richard Evan (Rick) Steele
You should have an ENT exam/consultation. Between your symptoms which have not improved on medication and the single image you included an ENT evaluation is appropriate.
