Deviated Septum

The septum is the section of cartilage and bone in the middle of your nose - it’s what separates the left and right side of your nose all the way back to your throat. When the septum is off-center or crooked it’s called a deviated septum. That can make one of your nostrils or nasal passages smaller than the other, or block both sides of your nose.

Some people with a deviated septum may not have any symptoms, especially if the deviation is mild. However, others may notice that it is difficult to breathe through their nose. This can cause problems with physical activity, sleeping, mouth breathing and dry mouth. These symptoms could impact your quality of life.

Diagnosing and treating a deviated septum can relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you think you might have a deviated septum, you should talk to a health care provider.

What is a deviated septum?

A typical septum is straight and positioned in the center of your nose. A deviated septum is off to one side or S-shaped, which may make the nasal passages narrower. It’s common - about 80% of people have an off-center septum - but that doesn’t always cause symptoms.

A deviated septum occurs due to:

• Developmental/genetic factors: Growth patterns during puberty can cause the septum to develop unevenly. This is the most common cause. Some people are born with a deviated septum or develop one naturally as the nose expands during childhood. 
• Injury: An accident, sports injury, fall or fight can damage the septum. You can reduce the risk of injury by wearing your seatbelt and using protective equipment when you play contact sports.

A deviated septum can cause symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, especially during physical activity or sleep. You might notice this issue more when you have a cold or allergies.
• Noisy breathing.
• Dry mouth from breathing through the mouth when you have trouble breathing through the nose.
• Nasal congestion, stuffiness or a feeling of fullness in the nose, which can cause discomfort.
• Nosebleeds, since the membranes lining your nose could become dry. 

With a severe deviated septum, you may notice a change in the appearance of your nose. 

How is a deviated septum diagnosed?

If you think you might have a deviated septum, you should contact a health care provider. Typically, you’ll see an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist, also called an otolaryngologist, who will check how severe your deviated septum is and see how it affects your breathing and overall health. 

Your provider may use these methods:

• Medical history: They may ask what symptoms you have, how long you’ve had them and how they are affecting your life.
• Physical exam: They may use a specialized tool called a nasal speculum to gently open your nostrils and look inside your nose. They may also use a bright light or an endoscope (a camera designed to look inside the nasal cavity) to get a better view of the septum and nearby areas.
• Imaging tests: In some cases, your provider may recommend imaging tests, like a CT scan, to get a detailed picture of your nasal cavity.

An accurate diagnosis is important because symptoms like trouble breathing or congestion might be caused by allergies, nasal polyps or other issues. 

Treatment options

Depending on how serious your condition and symptoms are, your provider may recommend non-surgical or surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatments can reduce the symptoms of a deviated septum, but they don’t correct the underlying issue. In some cases, they can give you enough relief. They include:

• Allergy medications: Allergies can cause swelling inside the nose and worsen underlying blockage and narrowing of the nasal passages. Your provider may recommend oral antihistamines, nasal antihistamine sprays or nasal steroid sprays to help control symptoms and reduce inflammation. While this does not treat the underlying structural problem, it can create more space for airflow by reducing swelling of the nasal lining.
• Nasal strips and inserts: Adhesive nasal strips can be applied on top of your nose can physically pull open the nostrils to improve airflow. Similarly, inserts may be placed directly into the nostrils to open them wider. This option may be useful for sleep and physical activity.

If you don’t find relief with these options, your provider may recommend septoplasty, a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum.

Septoplasty is typically done in the operating room with general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the septum and removes or repositions the bone and cartilage to straighten the septum. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes and most people go home the same day.

During recovery, you may take pain medication to treat swelling and discomfort. You can probably return to your regular activities in one to two weeks, even though it might take a few weeks to recover fully. 

Sometimes, blockage of the nasal passages may also be caused by additional problems with the external structure of the nose in addition to the septum. In these cases, a more involved surgery called a septorhinoplasty (nasal surgery to fix breathing) may need to be performed.  

It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions as you recover. You may need to avoid strenuous activities, use saline nasal sprays and go to follow-up appointments. Most people will experience improved breathing after surgery.

As with any surgery, complications could occur. You could have an infection, nosebleed, develop a hole in the septum from septal perforation (poor healing), or have a complication related to anesthesia.

Why choose Banner Health for diagnosis and treatment?

When it comes to diagnosing and treating a deviated septum, Banner Health is committed to providing high-quality care with experienced specialists who use a patient-centered approach.

Our team of skilled ear, nose and throat (ENT) providers specialize in diagnosing and treating nasal health conditions. Our surgeons are trained in the latest techniques for septoplasty and other nasal procedures, so you get the best care possible.

Our approach to treatment includes:

• Commitment to education: We make sure you fully understand your condition and treatment options. Our team takes the time to explain procedures, recovery expectations and any lifestyle adjustments so you can make informed decisions about your health.
• Personalized treatment plans: Your needs are unique. Our specialists take the time to understand your symptoms and concerns and create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific situation.
• Access to the latest technology and techniques: We stay at the forefront of medical advancements to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• Support throughout the recovery process: Our commitment to your care doesn’t end after your procedure. Our ongoing support during your recovery includes follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and answer your questions.

Getting care

If you have symptoms such as nasal obstruction, frequent sinus infections or trouble breathing, consult a health care professional. A deviated septum could be the cause and treating it may improve your quality of life.

At Banner Health, our experienced specialists are ready to help you understand your condition and explore the best treatment options for you. Don’t wait to find relief - reach out to an expert today for an in-depth evaluation and personalized care.