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About Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated nasal septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between the nasal passages is displaced to one side. In many people, the septum is slightly off-center, making one nasal passage smaller than the other.
At IMG Healthcare, our in-house team of board-certified ENT surgeons provides advanced evaluation and treatment for nasal septum deviation. Septoplasty is performed to straighten the septum and improve breathing quality.
We offer advanced and effective septoplasty procedures to correct nasal obstruction and restore normal nasal airflow.
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What is a Deviated Septum?
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The nasal septum is made of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two equal passages. When this septum is shifted or bent to one side, it is called a deviated septum.
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A deviated septum can make one nasal passage smaller, leading to breathing difficulty, nasal blockage, and congestion. In more severe cases, it can block airflow completely on one side of the nose and may also cause dryness, crusting, or occasional nosebleeds.
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Nasal obstruction may occur due to the deviated septum itself, swelling inside the nose, or both.
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In significant cases, doctors may recommend septoplasty, a surgical procedure performed by an ENT specialist to straighten the septum. This helps restore normal airflow and improves breathing and nasal function.
Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated nasal septum can develop due to several reasons:
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Congenital (present at birth): In some cases, it develops during fetal growth or may occur during childbirth.
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Injury to the nose: Trauma or accidents can shift the nasal septum out of its normal position.
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Aging process: Natural changes in the nose structure over time may contribute to deviation.
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Inflammation or swelling: Irritation or swelling in the nasal or sinus cavities can worsen nasal blockage.
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Risk Factors:
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Certain factors increase the risk of developing a deviated septum:
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Participation in contact sports
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Not wearing a seatbelt during vehicle accidents
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Any facial or nasal injury
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These factors can push the septum out of alignment and lead to breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated nasal septum may cause different symptoms depending on how severe the deviation is:
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Blockage of one or both nostrils, leading to difficulty in breathing
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Frequent nosebleeds due to dryness of the nasal lining
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Facial pain or pressure in some cases
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Noisy breathing during sleep or snoring
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Awareness of alternating nasal blockage (nasal cycle becomes noticeable)
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Preference for sleeping on one side to improve breathing
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These symptoms often become more noticeable during cold, allergies, or nasal infections when swelling further narrows the nasal passages.
Diagnosis of Deviated Nasal Septum
Deviated nasal septum is diagnosed by an ENT specialist through a physical examination and, if needed, additional tests.
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Medical history and symptom review: The doctor asks about breathing difficulty, nasal blockage, nosebleeds, and sleep issues.
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Physical examination: The inside of the nose is examined using a nasal speculum or lighted instrument to check the position of the septum.
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Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible camera is inserted into the nose to get a detailed view of the nasal passages.
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Imaging tests (if required): CT scan may be recommended in some cases to assess the severity and any associated sinus problems.
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These methods help confirm the deviation and decide the appropriate treatment plan.
Risk Factors for Deviated Nasal Septum :
Certain factors increase the chances of developing a deviated nasal septum:
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Being born with a nasal septum that is already off-center
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Injury or trauma to the nose
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Participation in contact sports (risk of facial injury)
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Not using seatbelts during vehicle accidents
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Facial fractures or accidents affecting the nose
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These factors can shift the nasal septum from its normal position and lead to breathing problems.
Risks & Complications if Left Untreated
If a deviated nasal septum is not treated, it may lead to:
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Chronic nasal blockage or breathing difficulty
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Frequent sinus infections (sinusitis)
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Recurrent nosebleeds due to dryness
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Sleep disturbances, including snoring or sleep apnea
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Persistent facial pain or pressure
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Reduced quality of life due to long-term nasal obstruction
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In severe cases, symptoms may worsen over time and affect normal breathing and sleep.
How to Prevent Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated nasal septum cannot always be completely prevented, especially if it is present from birth. However, the risk of developing it due to injury can be reduced by taking precautions:
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Wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle to protect your face from any mishap that may cause damage to the nose structure.
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Wear a midface mask when playing contact sports to prevent your nose from any serious injury.
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It is always advised to wear a seatbelt while driving cars to avoid any severe injury.
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Don’t wear a tight mask that may put pressure on your nasal septum. It may affect the structure of your nose.
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Avoid smoking to minimize the issues related to breathing.