Nasal Septum Deviation: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Nasal septum deviation is a serious health concern that leads to breathing problems. So, learn the causes, symptoms and treatment methods to improve quality of life.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
The nasal septum is a bony and cartilaginous tissue wall dividing the nasal chamber into two distinct parts. Its anatomy has both cosmetic and functional importance, including providing dorsal support, maintaining the unique shape of the nose top and columellate, and regulating independent airflow through the nose. Most people have a straight anatomy of the septum along the midline. However, sometimes, the structure can be bent in one direction, which is known as nasal septum deviation. In severe cases, a deviated septum can block one side of the nose, causing reduced airflow and leading to breathing problems. Sometimes, it can also cause inflammation in the interior lining of the nasal cavity, leading to discomfort and obstruction.
Causes of Nasal Septum Deviation
The root causes of a deviated nasal septum can be categorised into different groups, namely congenital (from birth), trauma or injury, and others. Understanding them can help in accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of the medical condition.
1. Congenital Factors
In some cases, nasal septum deviation occurs during foetal development within the mother’s womb. As a result, the condition persists right from the time of birth and may worsen with time if not treated.
2. Injuries and Trauma
If the nose sustains any major injury or trauma due to one of the following reasons, it can develop nasal septum deviation.
Playing physical sports
Car accidents
Physical fights
Falls
3. Other Contributing Factors
One of the most common causes of nasal septum deviation is the abnormal growth of the bony and cartilaginous structures where the wall doesn’t follow the straight midline direction during development.
Symptoms and Effects
Not every nasal obstruction can be correlated to a deviated septum. There are certain specific indicators healthcare providers look for to suspect a potential sign of nasal septum deviation. These are:
Breathing difficulty, especially when inhaled or exhaled through the nose
Consistent dryness in one of the nostrils
Nosebleeds due to inflamed tissue lining
Susceptibility to sinus infections
Snoring or making loud breathing sounds while sleeping
Pressure and recurring nasal congestion
Nasal septum deviation can significantly impact the quality of life, as it leads to breathing problems, congestion, sleep disturbances, reduced olfactory sensation, and consistent headaches, thereby disrupting daily activities.
Some of the major associated complications of deviated nasal septum are:
Chronic sinusitis
Sleep apnoea
Nasal congestion
Xerostomia or dry mouth
Diagnosis of Nasal Septum Deviation
Doctors rely on both clinical evaluation and laboratory examination results to determine the severity of the deviated nasal septum and decide the right course of treatment. The doctor may ask about the breathing problem one is having along with noting down its history, like the time from when you started having the difficulty.
They will also ask if the nose has sustained any major physical injury in the past due to an accident or a fall. Apart from this, patients need to explain the symptoms, like any instance of disrupted sleep, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and so on.
The physical examination is conducted using a thin tube-like instrument known as a nasal endoscope. The doctor inserts the tube and uses light to examine the deviated septum and any structural abnormality with greater precision and clarity. In addition, X-rays can be conducted to learn more about nasal anatomy.
Treatment Options
Both medicines and corrective surgery can be opted for treating nasal septum deviation based on the severity of the symptoms. In terms of conservative management and medication, the options are –
Decongestants reduce the swelling in the nasal cavity and improve airflow.
Nasal steroid sprays that increase drainage and reduce inflammation.
Antihistamines, which can help with stuffy or runny nose symptoms.
On the other hand, septoplasty is the surgical correction of the deviated nasal septum. The doctor removes the excess bone or cartilage required to make uniform spaces in both nostrils. Soft packing material or internal splints can be inserted to allow the septum to heal properly and support the dorsal structure.
Following the surgery, the patients need to follow the post-operative and recovery guidelines:
Antibiotics and other medicines can be given to reduce the risks of post-op infections.
Not bumping the nose onto any hard surface as that can cause further distortion during the healing phase of the nasal septum.
Not blowing the nose or getting involved in strenuous physical activities.
Keeping the head elevated while sleeping.
Potential Risks and Complications of Surgery
Although septoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, it does involve a few complications, as discussed in the below section.
1. Short-Term and Long-Term Risks
Some short-term and long-term risks are as follows:
Toxic shock syndrome
Excessive nosebleeds
Numbness in teeth and nose
Septal perforation
Spinal fluid leak
2. Importance of Selecting an Experienced Surgeon
Choosing an experienced otolaryngologist or rhinologist comes with the following benefits:
Minimised post-op complications and risks
Higher precision in septoplasty
Optimal results with a corrected deviated nasal septum
Smoother recovery process
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Individuals can make a few lifestyle changes and try some home remedies to ease the discomfort of having a deviated nasal septum and get relief from congestion and internal inflammations. This includes:
Using humidifiers
Rinsing the nose with saline water
Applying nasal strips during sleeping
Additionally, people living in a polluted environment should wear masks to protect their nasal cavities from allergens and pollutants. Quitting smoking can also help ease the symptoms.
Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook
Most cases of nasal septum deviation are mild and can be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines, like antihistamines and decongestants. For severe cases, doctors opt for surgical correction of the septum.
Usually, septoplasty has an average success rate between 43% and 85%, and patients experience improved breathing conditions within 2 weeks after the surgery. But sometimes, nasal septum deviation can recur, requiring additional treatment like revision surgery.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Consulting a doctor on time can help individuals receive proper treatment and improve their quality of life. They should seek medical attention if:
They are having severe breathing problems.
Nosebleeds are consistent and don’t alleviate with home remedies.
They are experiencing facial pains.
They have become more susceptible to sinus infections and nasal congestion.
Having said that, before visiting the doctor or surgeon, patients should be ready with answers to the following questions:
For how long have they had an obstructed nose?
Do they have any allergies?
Is the nasal obstruction mild or severe?
Have they experienced any nosebleeds?
Did they suffer trauma to your nose?
Conclusion
It’s important to address the symptoms caused by a deviated nasal symptom, like breathing problems, inflamed nasal lining, nosebleeds, and others. Seeking medical attention in extreme cases can help individuals get proper treatment through medicines or septoplasty and recover faster.
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