What, Exactly, is a Deviated Septum?

Lots of people may talk about a deviated septum, but unless you’ve had one repaired, you may not know what it means when your nasal septum deviates. Our team explains the basics of a deviated septum, how it happens, and what we can do to fix it.

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) that divides your nasal passages is displaced to one side. This displacement can make one nasal passage smaller than the other.

You may not know your septum is off-center, but symptoms like persistent nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, and frequent nosebleeds could be warning signs.

Dr. Philip T. Ho, founder and director of Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions like deviated nasal septums.

Read more from Dr. Ho and his team regarding a deviated septum, what it is, why it happens, and how it’s treated.

Do I have a deviated septum?

Only a doctor can say for sure, but your nasal septum may be deviated if one nostril is visibly wider than the other. Sometimes, the deviation is severe enough that your nose appears crooked.

Another easy self-check is to hold one side of your nose closed and gauge how well air flows through the open side as you inhale. Now switch and hold the opposite side closed. A noticeable difference in airflow could indicate a deviated septum.

However, reduced airflow could also indicate nasal polyps, a chronic infection, or another obstructive issue.

The truth is, most people have some misalignment of their nasal septum. Thus, the key indicators for a problematic deviation are the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Symptoms of a deviated septum

While many individuals with a deviated septum experience no symptoms, others may face:

Difficulty breathing

One nasal passage may feel obstructed, especially if you have respiratory infections or allergies.

Frequent sinus infections

A deviated septum can impair nasal drainage and make sinus infections more likely.

Nasal congestion

Chronic congestion caused by a deviated septum can affect one or both sides of the nose.

Snoring or sleep issues

Breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum can worsen snoring or contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.

Nosebleeds

Dryness from unstable airflow can increase the likelihood of nosebleeds.

Facial pain or headaches

Some people report discomfort in the facial cheeks and headaches caused by uneven pressure or sinus blockages.

What causes a deviated septum?

Several factors can lead to a deviated septum:

Congenital condition

Many people are born with a deviated septum, which can occur naturally during fetal development or during the birthing process.

Injury or trauma

Physical trauma to the nose from a car accident, sports injury, a fall, or physical assault can push the septum out of alignment.

Normal aging process

Over time, natural changes in facial structure can exacerbate a previously minor deviation, causing noticeable symptoms later in life.

Normal development

The nasal septum can deviate during normal growth and development, especially during adolescent growth spurts.

Treating a deviated septum

Dr. Ho develops personalized treatment strategies that depend on your evaluation results, the severity of your symptoms, and their impact on daily life.

Options include:

Nasal decongestants to temporarily improve airflow
Antihistamines to treat allergy-related symptoms that may worsen breathing issues
Saline sprays to moisturize nasal passages and reduce the risk of nosebleeds
Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation

If medications don’t control your symptoms adequately, Dr. Ho may also recommend advanced in-office treatments such as:

VivAER®

During a VivAER treatment, Dr. Ho remodels the tissue obstructing the nasal passages with a small wand that delivers radiofrequency energy to the tissues inside your nose.

RhinAER®

RhinAer uses radiofrequency energy to reduce inflammation and calm the nerves that are triggering mucus production.

ClariFix®

ClariFix uses cryotherapy (freezing) to disrupt nerve signals contributing to nasal drainage and swelling.

If these treatments aren’t adequate, you may benefit from septoplasty. Dr. Ho repositions and straightens the nasal septum during this outpatient procedure, which takes about 30 minutes.

If you’re struggling with a deviated nasal septum, you can start the healing process today by scheduling a visit with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center. Call the office or book an appointment online.