Deviated septum
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum—the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages—is displaced to one side. While some degree of septal deviation is common, a significant deviation can restrict airflow through the nose and lead to breathing difficulties and other symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
The most common symptom of a deviated septum is nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose. Some people may experience frequent sinus infections, facial pressure, headaches, nosebleeds, noisy breathing during sleep, or a sensation of nasal blockage that does not improve with typical allergy or cold medications. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the degree of the deviation.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases may be managed with medications such as nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, or decongestants to reduce swelling and improve airflow. While these treatments can help relieve symptoms, they do not correct the underlying structural problem.
For patients with persistent nasal obstruction or significant breathing difficulties, surgery may be recommended. A procedure called septoplasty is performed to straighten and reposition the septum, improving airflow through the nasal passages. Septoplasty is one of the most common and effective treatments for symptomatic septal deviation.