What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between your nostrils, called the septum, is displaced to one side, rather than being centered. While a slight deviation is common and often harmless, a badly deviated septum can lead to serious issues by significantly narrowing one nasal passage.
Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum
1. Difficulty Breathing
The very first indicator of a possibly deviated septum is observed through the abnormalities in breathing. Since one of the air passages is smaller than the other, it can cause difficulties in inhaling. Thus, a crooked septum may lead to turbulence in the regular airflow, making breathing a difficult and labored process. Due to increased resistance to airflow intake, nasal obstruction can be highly uncomfortable.
2. Nasal Congestion
Septum deviations can lead to chronic feelings of nasal congestion. Alterations in the airflow intake patterns lead to excessive mucus production, further narrowing the nasal passages. These developments can make a person feel highly congested and stuffed, worsen breathing difficulties, and affect daily functioning.
3. Frequent Sinus Infections
Typically, sinuses occur when the nasal tissues get swollen or inflamed due to certain conditions. However, for those with deviated septa, it can become a regular thing. The blockage of sinus drainage pathways results in stagnant mucus collection, which increases the vulnerability to bacterial growth and infections. The inflammation of tissues can also result in excessive mucus production, which causes more congestion and chronic sinusitis. Being prone to recurring sinus infections may have other damaging consequences that degrade one’s health. This includes the development or worsening of depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, the onset of asthma, pneumonia, and degraded ear and brain health.
4. Nosebleeds
Frequent nosebleeds are one of the most alarming symptoms of a deviated septum that arise due to the alterations in the nasal anatomy. The constant congestion weakens the nasal blood vessels, increasing the chances of rupture, which can cause bleeding. Increased dryness in the nasal passages also leads to scab formation, which may result in nosebleeds when irritated. The friction between the septum and lining of the nasal cavity can cause unprecedented nose bleeds.
5. Facial Pain or Headaches
While it may seem unusual, a deviated septum can trigger facial pain or chronic headaches. The high rates of sinus infections, rubbing of the septum against sensitive nasal tissues, chronic congestion, and sensitivity to airflow changes cause headaches. People may also experience one-sided facial pain and tenderness due to abnormalities in their septum.
6. Postnasal Drip
Issues in the nasal structure can also lead to postnasal drip as a side effect. As the septum is only a thin cartilage, any crookedness in it may lead to difficulty in draining out mucus. This mucus retention can cause postnatal drip, which has several consequences on the throat’s health. The effects may include cough reflex, swollen tonsils, cough, constant tickling in the throat, and nausea. These issues can disrupt one’s respiratory health by causing inflammation in the lower airway, bad breath, and dripping of mucus in the respiratory organs during sleep.
7. Snoring or Sleep Apnea
Perhaps the most bothersome effects of a deviated septum are those related to sleep quality. Nasal congestion can lead to loud breathing and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, the condition may result in sleep apnea. This disorder is categorized by temporary pauses in breathing during one’s sleep. A deviated septum may trigger or worsen the mechanisms of this condition, causing serious consequences. Sleep apnea is said to be the root cause behind various side effects, such as chronic fatigue, depression, strokes, cardiovascular issues, and type 2 diabetes, among other problems.
Prevention and Cure
One of the most common questions people have is whether they can avoid the development of a deviated septum. The truth is that it isn’t entirely preventable, as some individuals may be born with it. However, as a preventive measure, you can safeguard your nose from any severe trauma or injury. Moreover, the effects of deviated septa can be thoroughly managed or even reversed with suitable treatments. Your doctor will assess the severity of your condition and suggest a cure accordingly. Some mild cases may be managed through certain lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. More complicated deformities may require surgery. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist will examine you before proceeding.
Prioritize Your Nasal Health With Texas Sinus & Snoring
7. Snoring or Sleep Apnea
Breathing isn’t supposed to be difficult. If you or someone you know is facing breathing problems due to nasal abnormalities, remember that help is out there. Texas Sinus & Snoring has a team of renowned professionals dedicated to improving your quality of life through high-end surgical procedures. To enjoy the benefits of fixing a deviated septum, you can get in touch with our experts. They will work to revive your breathing patterns and help you lead a healthy life!
FAQs
How common is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum is among the most common nasal deformities. It occurs when the nasal septum, the thin wall between the nostrils, is displaced to one side. This results in making one of the nasal passages smaller, causing complications. About 80% of people are estimated to have this condition.
Does a deviated septum cause sleep apnea?
A severe deviated septum can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea by significantly blocking nasal airflow, which may worsen breathing difficulties during sleep. While not the sole cause of obstructive sleep apnea, nasal symptoms caused by a deviated septum, such as congestion and difficulty breathing, can exacerbate the condition. If you experience noisy breathing during sleep or suspect sleep apnea, it’s essential to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist who can evaluate your nasal passages and overall airway to determine if a deviated septum is playing a role.
What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of a deviated septum?
You can manage a deviated septum by altering your lifestyle and introducing certain healthy habits such as:
- Managing allergies and asthma symptoms
- Using humidifiers and saline nasal sprays
- Sleeping on your side
- Quitting drinking alcohol and smoking
- Reducing intake of caffeine and sedatives
- Trying nasal dilators
- Taking steam or hot showers
How do you get rid of post-nasal drip?
You can reduce or eliminate post-nasal drip through the following measures.
- Keep your head elevated
- Inhale essential oils
- Gargle with saltwater
- Increase the intake of hot fluids
- Use humidifiers or vapors
- Take steam
- Get over-the-counter medication
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
What are the most effective deviated septum treatments?
There are various treatment options available for correcting a deviated septum. Depending on the severity of your condition, our healthcare providers may suggest different measures. Medications will suffice in mild to moderate cases with only occasional symptoms. These are available as nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines. For those with severe and bothersome symptoms, surgery may be recommended. It is important to get a surgeon’s guidance before undergoing this procedure.
What is the recovery process like after deviated septum surgery?
Septoplasty, the surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum, has a very standardized recovery procedure that stretches over a period of 6 weeks for complete healing. You can expect the following steps during recovery.
- Ensuring sufficient rest
- Managing hydration
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding blowing of nose
- Changing nasal dressings
- Maintaining nasal hygiene
- Showing up for follow-up appointments
- Staying away from nasal irritants
- Quitting smoking and drinking
Can a deviated septum contribute to nasal valve collapse?
Yes, a deviated septum can contribute to nasal valve collapse by causing uneven pressure and structural stress on the nasal walls. The nasal valve area relies on the integrity of bone and cartilage to remain open and support airflow. When the septum is displaced, it may lead to nasal blockage and weakening of these structures. Performing a simple deviated septum self-test can help identify if your nasal passages are uneven, which may increase the risk of nasal valve collapse and associated breathing difficulties.
Ready to Breathe Freely Again?
By Dr. Ben Cilento, ENT
May 4, 2025
