Facts About Deviated Septums

A deviated septum describes the displacement of the bone that separates the space between the two nostrils. Rather than being centered, the septum is crooked or off to one side. It is estimated that nearly 80% of people’s nasal septum is off-center but because it is typically minor, it is barely noticeable and there are usually no symptoms. However more profound deviated symptoms can produce symptoms that impact breathing and sleep.

The nasal septum consists of bone and cartilage which serves as a partition that separates the nostrils. This makes the right and left airways which are what facilitate breathing through the nose. When the septum is noticeably more situated on one side and is more deviated from the center, this can impact the airways. It expands one side while restricting the other and this can affect airflow, producing symptoms that can impact health and daily wellness. There are useful treatment options that depend on the specifics of one’s deviated septum.

Causes & Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

There are two primary ways that an individual’s septum can become deviated. This includes:

Congenital: This describes a deviated septum that was present at birth which means that it occurred during fetal development. Some statistics suggest that 20% of newborns have a deviated septum.

Injury: another way that the septum can become deviated is through injuries. Force to the nose can cause damage by shifting the septum. Common injuries that do this occur through sports, car accidents, falls, being struck by an object, and fights.

A deviated septum can produce various symptoms that often result in restricting airflow, contributing to breathing challenges. Common symptoms include:

Headaches or face pain
Sinus infections
Nose bleeds
Headaches
Snoring or breathing loudly
Postnasal drip

These symptoms can significantly affect or even prevent restful sleep, contributing to the development of sleep disorders. Symptoms of a deviated septum can also be amplified while experiencing a common cold or allergies. If you experience challenges with breathing and chronic symptoms, it is important to be assessed by your healthcare provider.

Treatment Options

There are two approaches to managing and treating symptoms of a deviated septum depending on a few factors. Treatment options typically include:

Medications: there is a range of over-the-counter medications that can be used to alleviate symptoms caused by a deviated septum. This includes the following:

Decongestants: target the nasal tissues and blood vessels in your nose that are inflamed. Decongestants alleviate this inflammation which causes a stuffy nose. This opens up the nasal passageways which facilitate enhanced airflow.
Antihistamines: are used to relieve or prevent symptoms associated with allergies – watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, congestion, breathing issues, etc. These symptoms can exacerbate symptoms of a deviated septum.
Nasal spray: there are different types of nasal sprays including steroid and antihistamine sprays. Prescribed by a doctor, these sprays alleviate inflammation, opening up the airways.

With more profound deviated symptoms can be severe and chronic which should be assessed and treated by your healthcare provider.

Septoplasty: This corrective surgical procedure involves straightening the septum. To see if this is the best option for you, your deviated septum should first be examined by your doctor. They will use tools including a nasal speculum to expand the nostrils so they can examine the nasal septum, tissue, and pathways. You will likely be referred to an ENT (ear, nose, throat) for further examination and to identify if septoplasty is a good option for you. The actual procedure involves making a small incision in the nose and removing excess bone or cartilage. This helps adjust and straighten the nasal septum so that it is more centered. In addition to septoplasty, rhinoplasty is often administered to adjust the outer appearance of the nose.

The best treatment option depends on your specific deviated septum and the symptoms you experience.

Tips to Prevent a Deviated Septum

There are safety measures you can implement to reduce your risk of experiencing a deviated septum. This include:

Wearing protective gear while driving, riding a bike, or participating in sports.
Drive safely by following road safety rules to reduce the risk of a car accident.
Increase spatial awareness by wearing hearing aids, maintaining lower volume settings on your headphones so you can still hear what is happening in your environment, etc.