Common Signs of a Deviated Nasal Septum

Many people have a slightly crooked nasal septum (the wall that separates the two sides of the nose) and never know about it because it causes no symptoms.

However, when the septum is significantly deviated, it can lead to:

• Blocked nose: One or both nostrils may feel blocked, making it harder to breathe through the nose.

• Frequent nosebleeds: The inside of the nose may become dry, especially at the front, increasing the risk of bleeding.

• Difficulty breathing at night: Breathing may feel more blocked when lying on one side.

• Worse symptoms during colds or flu: Swelling inside the nose during infections can make blockage feel more severe.

When should you see an ENT specialist?

You should consider seeing an ENT specialist if your nasal blockage is persistent and does not improve, or if it:

• Is present most or all of the time

• Interferes with your sleep or exercise

• Requires regular or ongoing use of nasal sprays or medication to keep your nose open

• Is associated with recurrent nosebleeds or sinus infections

• Contributes to troublesome snoring

While a deviated septum can contribute to snoring, snoring is often multifactorial. Weight, enlarged tonsils, nasal inflammation, and other airway factors commonly play a role. A proper assessment helps determine the underlying causes and guide appropriate treatment.

If your symptoms are ongoing or affecting your quality of life, a specialist evaluation can clarify the diagnosis and discuss suitable management options.

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum means that the thin wall inside the nose (which separates the two nasal passages) is not perfectly straight. This is very common.

A deviated septum can occur for several reasons:

• Present from birth: Some people are born with a septum that developed slightly off-centre.

• Normal growth changes: As the face grows during childhood and adolescence, the septum may shift slightly.

• Injury to the nose: A blow to the nose can move the septum out of position. This may happen during contact sports, falls, childhood accidents, or motor vehicle accidents — sometimes even years earlier.

Many people do not remember a specific injury. In fact, mild deviations are extremely common and often cause no problems. Only when the deviation significantly narrows one side of the nose does it usually lead to symptoms.

Treatment for a Deviated Septum

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are.

In many cases, we first try to manage symptoms with medication. This may include:

• Nasal steroid sprays

• Antihistamines (if allergies are present)

• Short-term decongestants

These medications help reduce swelling inside the nose and improve airflow. The exact treatment will depend on your specific symptoms.

If symptoms remain persistent and bothersome despite medical treatment, surgery may be considered. The procedure, called a septoplasty, straightens the nasal septum to improve airflow.

Your ENT specialist will explain all available options, including the potential benefits and risks, so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.

Surgery for a Deviated Septum (Septoplasty)

A septoplasty is an operation to straighten the wall inside the nose (the septum) in order to improve airflow and make breathing easier.

The procedure is performed entirely inside the nose, so there are no visible external scars. During surgery, the nasal lining is gently lifted, and the bent cartilage and bone are reshaped or repositioned to straighten the septum. The exact technique varies depending on your individual anatomy.

Before surgery, your ENT specialist will explain:

• What the procedure involves

• The expected recovery process

• Possible risks and complications

• The likely improvement you can expect

This allows you to make a fully informed decision and feel comfortable with the plan.

FAQ