Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

What causes a deviated septum and how does this structural issue contribute to frequent or chronic sinus infections?

A deviated septum happens when the thin wall between the nasal passages shifts. This makes one nasal passage smaller than the other. It can cause breathing problems and raise the chance of sinus infections.

At Liv Hospital, we know a deviated nasal septum can block one side of the nose. This reduces airflow and makes breathing hard. Studies show that severe deviations can greatly increase the risk of chronic sinusitis and frequent sinus infections. This is because they disrupt normal airflow and mucus drainage.

Getting a proper diagnosis and checking the nasal anatomy is key. It helps figure out if your sinus infections come from a deviated septum or something else.

Key Takeaways

• A deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties and increase the risk of sinus infections.
• Severe deviations can lead to chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections.
• Proper diagnosis is key to understanding the cause of sinus infections.
• Nasal anatomy evaluation is needed to find the cause of sinus infections.
• Liv Hospital offers full care for patients with deviated septum and sinus infections.

Understanding the Nasal Septum and Its Function

The nasal septum is a key part of the nose. It divides the two nasal passages, affecting how air and mucus move. It’s made of cartilage and bone, creating a wall between the nostrils.

What Is Your Septum and Why It Matters

The nasal septum is vital for our breathing and mucus flow, as the Medical organization explains. A deviated septum happens when this wall shifts, causing breathing problems. Knowing about the septum helps us understand its role in our health.

A healthy septum ensures air moves well and mucus drains properly. But a deviated septum can block air and lead to infections.

Normal Nasal Airflow and Mucus Drainage

Good nasal airflow is key for our sinuses to work right. The septum helps air flow evenly between the passages. It also aids in mucus flow.

When the septum works right, it prepares the air for our lungs. Any problems can cause breathing issues.

Keeping the nasal septum healthy is important for our sinuses. We need to know what affects it and how to handle any problems.

What Causes a Deviated Septum

Knowing what causes a deviated septum is key. It can come from birth issues, injuries, or aging. A deviated septum often results from a mix of these factors.

Congenital Factors and Birth Abnormalities

Some people are born with a deviated septum. This happens when the nasal septum doesn’t form right during fetal development. It can be there from birth or get worse as they grow.

Traumatic Injuries to the Nose

Nose injuries can also cause a deviated septum. This can happen from sports accidents, falls, or other incidents. The injury can make the nasal septum shift, causing breathing problems and other issues.

Aging and Developmental Changes

As we age, a deviated septum can get worse. The nasal septum can move or get worse over time due to wear and tear. This can make symptoms worse or start new ones.

The table below shows the main causes of a deviated septum and their effects:

Understanding the causes of a deviated septum helps us see why diagnosis and treatment are so important. Whether it’s from birth, injury, or aging, there are ways to manage symptoms and improve life quality.

Signs and Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

It’s important to know the signs of a deviated septum for the right treatment. A deviated septum can lead to various nasal and sinus problems. These can range from mild discomfort to serious health issues.

Common Symptoms and Deviated Septum Stuffy Nose

The symptoms of a deviated septum can differ from person to person. Common issues include:

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness, making it hard to breathe through one or both nostrils
• Nosebleeds due to the drying of the nasal mucosa
• Noisy breathing during sleep, which can be a concern for both the individual and their bed partner
• Loss of smell due to impaired nasal airflow
• Facial pain or pressure, often associated with sinus infections

Nasal congestion is a common complaint. A deviated septum can make one nasal passage smaller. This leads to blocked airflow and a stuffy feeling.

Severity Spectrum and When to Be Concerned

The severity of symptoms can vary a lot. Some people may have mild symptoms that don’t bother them much. Others may have severe symptoms that really affect their life.

Seek medical help if you have:

• Persistent nasal congestion that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter treatments
• Recurring sinus infections
• Significant facial pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing during sleep, potentially leading to sleep apnea

Understanding how severe your symptoms are is key to finding the right treatment. We suggest talking to a healthcare professional for a proper check-up and advice.

Understanding Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)

Sinusitis, or sinus infection, is when the sinus cavities get inflamed or infected. It can really hurt and affect how you feel every day. Knowing the causes and symptoms is key to getting the right treatment.

Acute vs. Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis usually comes from a viral infection and gets better in a few weeks. The Medical organization says it’s often linked to the common cold.

Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, lasts longer and can be caused by bacteria, allergies, or other things. It can cause ongoing symptoms and problems if not treated right.

“Chronic sinusitis needs a detailed treatment plan to help symptoms and stop more issues,” says Medical Expert, an ENT specialist. “Knowing the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis is key to managing it well.”

Common Causes of Sinus Infections Beyond Septal Deviation

While a deviated septum can lead to sinus infections, other things can too. These include:

• Allergies: Allergic reactions can make the nasal passages and sinuses inflamed, causing sinusitis.
• Viral and bacterial infections: Both can cause sinusitis.
• Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passage can block sinus drainage, leading to infections.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants and irritants can also cause sinusitis.

It’s important to know these causes to create good treatment plans. By tackling the root causes, people can lower their risk of sinus infections and better manage their symptoms.

The Connection Between Deviated Septum and Sinus Problems

A deviated septum can block airflow and mucus drainage. This can lead to sinus infections. It causes issues like chronic congestion and recurrent infections.

How Septal Deviation Affects Sinus Drainage

The nasal septum guides airflow through the nasal passages. A deviated septum disrupts this flow. It leads to poor mucus drainage.

Inadequate sinus drainage causes mucus buildup. This can get infected, leading to sinusitis. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic, depending on the infection’s severity and frequency.

Research Evidence on Deviated Septum and Sinusitis

Many studies have looked into the link between deviated septum and sinusitis. They show that people with a deviated septum face more chronic rhinosinusitis and sinus infections.

A study in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy found a strong link between septal deviation and sinusitis symptoms. This suggests fixing a deviated septum can help manage sinus issues.

• Septal deviation can lead to turbulent airflow, increasing the risk of sinus infections.
• Chronic sinusitis is more prevalent in individuals with a deviated septum.
• Surgical correction of a deviated septum can improve sinus drainage and reduce infection risk.

Understanding the link between a deviated septum and sinus problems is key. Healthcare providers can then offer better treatments. This helps manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Can a Deviated Septum Cause Chronic Sinus Infections?

It’s important to know how a deviated septum affects your sinuses. A deviated septum can block the flow of mucus, leading to infections. This blockage allows bacteria to grow, causing infections.

The Osteomeatal Complex and Sinus Health

The osteomeatal complex is key for draining sinuses. A deviated septum can narrow or block this area. This makes it hard for mucus to drain, leading to infections.

This complex is vital for keeping sinuses healthy. A deviated septum can block it, causing mucus buildup. This buildup is perfect for bacteria to grow.

Obstruction of the osteomeatal complex is a big reason for sinus infections. Knowing this helps us see how a deviated septum leads to chronic sinusitis.

Bacterial Growth in Obstructed Sinuses

Stagnant mucus in blocked sinuses is a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause infections, which can become chronic. A deviated septum makes these obstructions more likely.

Bacteria thrive in blocked sinuses due to a deviated septum. Without proper drainage, bacteria can cause infections. Chronic sinusitis often results from these infections.

In summary, a deviated septum can cause chronic sinus infections. It blocks the osteomeatal complex and allows bacteria to grow. Understanding this helps in managing and treating chronic sinusitis.

Diagnosing Deviated Septum and Related Sinus Issues

Diagnosing a deviated septum is a detailed process. It combines physical checks with imaging tests. This method is key to pinpointing a deviated septum and its effects on sinuses.

Physical Examination Techniques

A detailed physical check is the first step in finding a deviated septum. Doctors use different methods to look at the nasal passages and septum. These include:

• Nasal endoscopy to see inside the nasal cavity and septum
• Anterior rhinoscopy to look at the front part of the nasal cavity
• Feeling the nasal passages to find any blockages or deviations

Doctors might ask patients to breathe through one nostril at a time. They look for signs of blockage, like swelling or crusts.

Imaging Studies: CT Scans and Endoscopy

Even with a physical check, imaging tests are often needed. They help confirm the diagnosis and show how severe the septum is. The main imaging tools are:

A study in the American Journal of Rhinology found CT scans are great for looking at the osteomeatal complex and sinus disease.

“The use of CT scans has changed how we diagnose sinus disease. They give detailed images that help us understand the sinuses better.”

— Medical Expert, ENT Specialist

Differential Diagnosis and Ruling Out Other Conditions

Diagnosing a deviated septum also means checking for other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. These include:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Chronic sinusitis
• Nasal polyps
• Other anatomical issues

A thorough check helps doctors tell these conditions apart and plan the right treatment.

By using physical checks, imaging, and differential diagnosis, doctors can accurately find a deviated septum and related sinus problems. This leads to effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Deviated Septum and Sinusitis

A deviated septum and sinusitis need a detailed treatment plan to ease symptoms and enhance life quality. The right treatment depends on the septum’s severity, sinusitis presence, and overall health.

Conservative Management Approaches

For mild septum deviations, non-surgical methods might work. This includes:

• Nasal strips to open nasal passages
• Saline nasal sprays to moisturize the nasal mucosa
• A humidifier to keep indoor humidity right

These steps can ease nasal blockage and enhance breathing. Yet, they don’t fix the septum itself.

Medications for Symptom Relief

Medicines are key in managing symptoms of a deviated septum and sinusitis. Common medicines include:

• Decongestants to lessen nasal blockage
• Antihistamines to combat allergic symptoms that worsen sinusitis
• Nasal corticosteroids to cut down nasal inflammation

These drugs can offer a lot of relief. But, always use them as advised by a healthcare expert.

Surgical Interventions: Septoplasty and Sinus Surgery

For severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgery might be needed. Septoplasty is a surgery to fix a deviated septum. It involves:

• Aligning the nasal septum
• Removing any blockages
• Boosting nasal airflow

In some cases, sinus surgery is also suggested for chronic sinusitis. This might include FESS to better sinus drainage.

Seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is vital. They will check the septum’s severity and sinusitis to suggest the best treatment.

Prevention Strategies for Sinus Infections with Deviated Septum

To prevent sinus infections with a deviated septum, follow good nasal hygiene and control your environment. These steps can greatly lower your chance of getting sinusitis.

Daily Nasal Care Routines

Keeping your nose clean is key to avoiding sinus infections. Nasal irrigation is a top method. It cleans out your nasal passages with a saline solution. Use a neti pot or a squeeze bottle with a nasal spray tip for this.

Make sure to use sterile or distilled water and clean your device often. This stops germs from growing.

Also, using humidifiers helps keep your nose moist. This lowers the chance of sinus irritation and infection. Always clean your humidifier to stop bacteria from growing.

Environmental Modifications and Allergen Control

It’s also vital to control your environment to prevent sinus infections. Allergen avoidance is a big part of this. Use allergen-proof bedding, get rid of carpet, and install HEPA filters in air and vacuum cleaners.

Keeping your space clean by dusting and vacuuming often helps too. Also, stay away from strong smells and chemicals. They can make your sinuses and nose feel worse.

By following these steps, people with a deviated septum can lower their risk of sinus infections. This can greatly improve their life quality.

Conclusion: Managing Life with a Deviated Septum

Managing a deviated septum means using both medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Knowing about the condition and its effects on sinuses helps a lot. This way, people can lessen symptoms and live better.

Proper treatment helps those with a deviated septum handle their symptoms better. The Medical organization says treatments can be simple or more serious, like surgery. This includes septoplasty and sinus surgery.

Living with a deviated septum means taking care of your nose every day. Simple steps like cleaning your nose and changing your environment can help. This keeps your sinuses working well.

Handling a deviated septum is a big job that needs time and teamwork. Working with ENT doctors and sticking to a treatment plan can make a big difference. This way, people can feel much better and healthier.

FAQ

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2025). Does a Deviated Septum Cause Sinus Infections A. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3851508/