Deviated Septum: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments - Healthline

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Deviated Septum

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on June 25, 2023

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Post-surgery recovery
Complications
Outlook

Symptoms of deviated septum may include breathing through one nostril, frequent nosebleeds or sinus infections, or snoring during sleep. Treatment is often not necessary, but surgery may be an option depending on the severity of your symptoms.

The septum is the cartilage in the nose that separates the nostrils. Typically, it sits at the center and divides the nostrils evenly. However, in some people, this isn’t the case. Many people have an uneven septum, which makes one nostril larger than the other.

Severe unevenness is known as a deviated septum. It can cause health complications such as a blocked nostril or difficulty breathing.

An uneven septum is very common. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 80 percent of all septums are deviated to some degree. A deviated septum requires medical attention only if it causes other health issues or negatively impacts quality of life.

What causes a deviated septum?

A deviated septum can be congenital. This means that a person was born with it. It can also occur as a result of an injury to the nose. People often get these injuries from contact sports, fighting, or car accidents. A deviated septum can also worsen with age.

What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?

Most people with a deviated septum have only a minor deviation. Symptoms are unlikely in these cases. Still, possible symptoms include:

difficulty breathing, especially through the nose
having one side of the nose that’s easier to breathe through
nosebleeds
sinus infections
dryness in one nostril
snoring or loud breathing during sleep
nasal congestion or pressure

Severe deviation can be accompanied by facial pain. You should see your doctor if you frequently have nosebleeds or sinus infections. You should also see a doctor if breathing difficulty is affecting your quality of life.

How is a deviated septum diagnosed?

To diagnose a deviated septum, your doctor first examines your nostrils with a nasal speculum. The doctor checks the septum’s placement and how it impacts the size of the nostrils. The doctor will also ask questions about sleep, snoring, sinus problems, and difficulty breathing.

You can connect with an ENT in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

How is a deviated septum treated?

For most cases, treatment is not necessary. For a severely deviated septum, surgery is the common treatment option. Due to the costs, risks, or other factors, some people with a deviated septum choose not to undergo surgery. Other treatment options are available. They don’t resolve a deviated septum, but they can lessen the symptoms that accompany it.

To help with symptoms, treatment focuses on correcting that issue. Common treatments for symptoms include:

decongestants
antihistamines
nasal steroid spray
nasal strips

Surgery

If your symptoms do not improve with medication or other treatment attempts, your doctor may suggest a reconstructive surgery called septoplasty.

Preparation: To prepare, you should avoid taking medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before and after the surgery. These drugs may increase your risk of bleeding. You should also stop smoking, as it can interfere with healing.

Procedure: Septoplasty takes about 90 minutes and is performed under anesthesia. You may receive local or general anesthesia depending on the surgeon and your specific case. During the procedure, a surgeon cuts the septum and takes out excess cartilage or bone. This straightens the septum and your nasal passage. Silicone splints may be inserted in each nostril to support the septum. Then the incision wound is closed with sutures.

Complications: You’ll be monitored immediately after the surgery for complications, and you’ll likely be able to go home the same day. Septoplasty is generally a safe procedure for most people who can go under anesthesia. The risks that remain include:

changing of nose shape
persistence in problems even after the surgery
excessive bleeding
decreased sense of smell
temporary numbness in upper gums and teeth
septal hematoma (mass of blood)

Cost: Septoplasty may be covered by your insurance. Without insurance, it can cost between $6,000 and $30,000.

What is recovery like after septoplasty?

During recovery from septoplasty, your doctor may give you medication. Taking it can reduce your risk of post-op infection or it can help manage pain or discomfort. It’s important to take all the medications your doctor prescribes.

You also want to avoid disrupting your nose while healing. The septum becomes relatively stable by three to six months after the surgery. Some changes can still happen up to a year later. To prevent this, avoid bumping your septum as much as possible.

After the procedure, you can aid healing by following these tips:

Don’t blow your nose.
Elevate your head when you’re sleeping.
Avoid strenuous exercise, including cardio.
Wear clothes that fasten in the front instead of pulling over your head.

What complications can happen?

If left untreated, a severely deviated septum can cause complications. A common complication is the obstruction of one or both nostrils. This can cause:

chronic sinus problems
loud breathing during sleep
disrupted sleep
only being able to sleep on one side

Other complications include:

nosebleeds
facial pain
dry mouth
disturbed sleep
pressure or congestion in the nasal passages

Outlook

A deviated septum may not cause any issues and may not require treatment. In some cases, a deviated septum can lead to other complications. These include sleep apnea, snoring, congestion, difficulty breathing, infections, or nosebleeds. Severe cases may call for surgery. If you have a deviated septum that may need treatment, discuss your options with your doctor.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Deviated septum. (n.d.)http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Deviated-Septum.aspx
Deviated septum. (n.d.)http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/multimedia/deviated-septum/img-20008046
Deviated septum. (2016, August 1)http://healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu/Search/85,P00444
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016, May 24). Septoplastyhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/home/ovc-20205412
Deviated septum: Patient health information. (n.d.) Retrieved fromhttp://www.entnet.org/content/deviated-septum

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on June 25, 2023

Deviated Septum: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments - Healthline

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What causes a deviated septum?

What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?

How is a deviated septum diagnosed?

How is a deviated septum treated?

Surgery

What is recovery like after septoplasty?

What complications can happen?

Outlook

How we reviewed this article:

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