Overview

Definition

A deviated nasal septum is a problem with the alignment of the wall that separates the left and right nostrils. This may make it hard for air to flow equally through each nostril.

Deviated Septum
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Causes

A deviated septum may be present at birth. It may also be caused by an injury.

Risk Factors

Playing contact sports raises the risk of this problem. Examples are karate or football.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Some people may not have symptoms. Other people may have:

  • Problems breathing through one or both nostrils
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sinus infections
  • Noisy breathing during sleep
  • Mouth breathing during sleep

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the nose. This is enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatments

Treatment

People who do not have symptoms may not need to be treated. Others may need surgery. This is called a septoplasty . The goal of surgery is to ease breathing by centering the septum between the two nostrils.

Rhinoplasty may also be done to reshape the nose at the same time. Together the two surgeries are called septorhinoplasty.

Prevention

Wearing protective headgear when playing contact sports may lower the risk of trauma.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.

a (Deviated Septum)

RESOURCES

American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery http://www.entnet.org 

American Society of Plastic Surgeons https://www.plasticsurgery.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery https://www.entcanada.org 

Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons http://plasticsurgery.ca 

References

Deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1406. Accessed August 13, 2020.

Greenstone M, Hack M. Obstructive sleep apnoea. BMJ. 2014 Jun 17;348:g3745.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa-in-adults . Accessed August 13, 2020.

Septal deviation and perforation. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/nose-and-paranasal-sinus-disorders/septal-deviation-and-perforation. Accessed August 13, 2020.