Deviated Septum – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

A displaced nasal septum happens when the thin wall between your nasal passages shifts to one side. Many people have this condition where the septum isn’t perfectly centered. This misalignment results in distorted nasal passages.

Severe displacement can block airflow on one side, causing breathing difficulties and potentially leading to crusting or bleeding. The blocked feeling in your nose can come from both a deviated septum and swelling in the nasal tissues.

Doctors might prescribe medicine to reduce swelling, but fixing the septum itself requires surgery.

Several approaches exist for managing nasal obstruction from a displaced septum:

Medical treatments:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Decongestants
  • Nasal sprays

Surgical correction:

  • Septoplasty (procedure to straighten the septum)
  • Rhinoplasty (if external nasal appearance also needs correction)

Signs and Problems

Many people have this condition without knowing it. However, when symptoms do appear, they can affect daily life in several ways.

Blocked airflow is the most common problem. This happens when one or both nostrils become partially closed, making breathing difficult. The blockage may become worse during cold or allergy seasons when nasal passages swell.

Frequent occurrences of bloody noses might become more common. Dryness in the nasal cavity can occur if the nasal walls are misaligned, which raises the risk of bleeding.

Some people experience face pain on one side. This might happen when the shifted wall is severe enough that surfaces inside the nose touch each other, creating pressure.

Loud breathing or snoring during sleep can result from a shifted nasal wall. This is just one of several possible causes of nighttime breathing sounds.

Observing the natural nasal cycle is yet another indicator. Normally, your body alternates which nostril is more open throughout the day. Most people don’t notice this happening, so awareness of this pattern may indicate a problem.

People with this condition often prefer sleeping on a specific side. They unconsciously position themselves to breathe through whichever nasal passage is more open.

When to See a Doctor

Visit your doctor if you have:

  • A stuffy nose that doesn’t get better with treatment
  • Nosebleeds that happen often
  • Sinus infections that keep coming back

These symptoms might need medical attention beyond home remedies.

Causes

A deviated septum happens when the wall between your nasal passages shifts to one side. This condition can develop in several ways, and some people are born with a deviated septum.

During fetal development, the nasal structures may not form properly, leading to misalignment that is present from birth.

Injuries frequently lead to septal deviation. These can occur during:

  • Childbirth (in infants)
  • Contact sports like football and hockey
  • Physical activities such as wrestling
  • Car accidents
  • Falls or other facial impacts

As people age, their nasal structures can change. This natural aging process might worsen an existing deviation over time.

Inflammation from infections can make symptoms more noticeable. When your nasal passages or sinuses become infected, the resulting swelling narrows the breathing space even further. This added narrowing can make a mild deviation feel more significant.

The severity of symptoms depends on how far the septum is displaced. Minor deviations may cause no problems, while significant shifts can lead to breathing difficulties and other complications.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the chance of having a deviated septum. Some people are born with this condition due to issues during fetal development or injuries during birth. For others, the main cause is an injury that shifts the nasal septum out of position.

Common risk factors include:

  • Contact sports participation (football, hockey, basketball).
  • Not using seat belts while in cars or other vehicles.

Physical trauma to the face is the primary cause of deviated septums that develop after birth.

Complications

A badly bent nasal septum can cause several problems:

  • Dry mouth is caused by breathing through the mouth.
  • Nasal pressure, feeling like your nose is stuffed up.
  • Sleep problems because breathing through your nose at night is difficult.

These issues happen when the wall between your nostrils is so crooked that it blocks air from flowing properly.

Prevention

Protecting your nose from injuries can help prevent a deviated septum. When participating in contact sports like football and volleyball, always wear a helmet or a mid-face protective mask.

This safety gear protects your nose from potential impacts. Always buckle your seat belt when traveling in any vehicle. Seat belts significantly reduce the risk of facial injuries during accidents.

These simple precautions can help maintain proper nasal structure and function.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.