A deviated septum occurs when the wall separating your nostrils is bent.
Your nose is divided into two nasal passages by a wall called the nasal septum. This septum is made of bone and cartilage and runs down the center of your nose, from your nostrils to the back of your throat. Typically straight, the septum creates two equally sized nasal cavities for air to pass through.
However, in many people, the septum isn’t perfectly centered. It might be bent, crooked or shifted to one side, narrowing one of your nasal passages and causing breathing difficulties.
Many people are born with a deviated septum. The septum can shift during fetal development or even during birth. Trauma to the nose, such as a fracture, can also cause the septum to shift.
It’s important to remember that most people have some degree of septum deviation, but for many, it’s so mild that it causes no problems. It’s only when the deviation is significant enough to block airflow that it becomes a concern.
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist called an otolaryngologist diagnoses a deviated septum. They usually confirm the condition through a physical exam and, in some cases, endoscopy. This involves inserting a thin tube with a tiny camera attached that provides a detailed view of your septum.
Many people with a deviated septum do not have symptoms. The symptoms usually appear when the severity of the crooked septum blocks airflow. This can lead to:
In addition to breathing issues, you may have:
The goal of deviated septum treatment is to improve airflow and alleviate symptoms. Treatment is often successful and improves complications, including breathing problems.
For mild symptoms, your doctor might suggest nonsurgical approaches, such as nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling and nasal strips to gently pull your nostrils open during sleep.
For severe symptoms and complications, deviated septum surgery may provide relief. Also known as septoplasty, this procedure corrects a deviated septum by reshaping, repositioning or removing parts of the bone and cartilage that cause the obstruction. During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision inside the nose. They then reshape the cartilage and bone. Sometimes, soft splints or packing are placed inside the nose temporarily to support the septum during healing.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home on the same day as the surgery. It may take a few days or weeks to recover and return to your normal activities.
Fixing a deviated septum can improve many aspects of your life, from better breathing to getting a good night’s rest. If you have symptoms of a deviated septum, talk to your ENT specialist at CHRISTUS Health.
