Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

A deviated septum happens when the thin wall between your nasal passages shifts. This makes one passage smaller than the other. It’s a common issue that can cause breathing problems and stuffy noses. Do I have a deviated septum? Learn the key signs and symptoms of a crooked nasal wall that requires a doctor’s diagnosis.

Knowing how to spot a deviated septum is key to getting the right help. At Liv Hospital, we offer detailed care to figure out if you have this problem. Our experts will help you with self-checks and professional tests to make sure you get the right treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the symptoms of a deviated septum, such as nasal congestion and breathing difficulties.
• Learn how to perform a self-test to check for a deviated septum.
• Understand the importance of seeking professional diagnosis and treatment.
• Discover the treatment options available for a deviated septum, including septoplasty surgery.
• Find out how Liv Hospital can support you in diagnosing and treating a deviated septum.

Understanding Deviated Septums

To understand a deviated septum, we first need to know about the nasal septum. The nasal septum is a wall made of cartilage and bone. It divides the nasal passages into two sides. Ideally, it’s centered, but often it’s not.

What Is a Nasal Septum?

The nasal septum supports the nose. It’s made of cartilage and bone. A thin mucous membrane covers it, warming and humidifying the air we breathe. A straight septum is key for easy breathing.

Definition of a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum means the nasal septum is off-center. This makes one passage smaller than the other. The Mayo Clinic says this can cause breathing problems and other respiratory issues. It can happen due to genetics, injury, or developmental issues.

Prevalence in the General Population

Studies show many people have a deviated septum. About 80 percent of people have some degree of deviation. Not everyone shows symptoms, but it’s common enough to be important to know about.

Knowing about the nasal septum and deviated septums helps with diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing symptoms can lead to better health and a better life.

Common Causes of a Deviated Septum

There are many reasons why someone might have a deviated septum. It can happen at birth or because of an injury. The Mayo Clinic explains that a deviated septum can be caused by a birth condition or a nose injury.

Issues with how the nasal septum develops in the womb are a big reason for deviated septums. If the nasal septum doesn’t form right, a deviated septum can occur at birth.

Congenital Development Issues

A congenital deviated septum happens when the nasal septum doesn’t line up right in the womb. This can be because of genes or things that happen during pregnancy.

Many people are born with some kind of septal deviation. Scientists don’t know all the reasons, but they think genes and the environment play a part.

Birth-Related Trauma

Birth trauma can also cause a deviated septum. The birth process can be tough, and it might hurt the nasal septum.

Research shows that babies who have a hard time being born or need help with forceps are more likely to have a deviated septum.

Injury and Physical Trauma

Getting hurt in the nose is another way to get a deviated septum. This can happen from accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

People who play contact sports or have had nose injuries before are more likely to get a deviated septum from an injury.

Knowing why someone has a deviated septum helps figure out how to treat it. Whether it’s from birth or an injury, seeing a doctor is key to feeling better and living better.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

Knowing the signs of a deviated septum is key to solving breathing problems and other issues. A deviated septum can cause many symptoms that affect your life a lot.

Breathing Difficulties and Nasal Obstruction

One common symptom is trouble breathing through the nose, often on one side. This can lead to chronic nasal congestion, making it hard to breathe.

The Cleveland Clinic says a badly deviated septum can cause breathing issues and congestion. This congestion can last a long time, affecting your daily life and comfort.

Sleep Disturbances and Snoring

Sleep problems are common with a deviated septum. The blockage can cause mouth breathing, disrupting sleep. Snoring is also common, as the blocked airflow makes throat tissues vibrate.

Recurring Sinus Infections

A deviated septum can make you more likely to get sinus infections. This is because of the abnormal airflow and pressure in the nasal passages. This can lead to chronic sinusitis, with persistent sinus pressure and infection.

Nosebleeds and Facial Pain

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) and facial pain are symptoms too. The dry air can dry out and crack the nasal mucosa, causing nosebleeds. Facial pain comes from the pressure and congestion of a deviated septum.

It’s important to know these symptoms to identify a deviated septum and get treatment. If you’re experiencing several symptoms, see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Do I Have a Deviated Septum? Self-Assessment Methods

You can start by checking for a deviated septum yourself. These simple steps can give you an idea if your nasal problems might be due to a deviated septum.

Visual Inspection Using a Mirror

Use a mirror to look inside your nose. Shine a light into your nostrils to see the nasal septum. You’ll need a good light and a mirror that lets you see inside your nostrils well.

The Single-Nostril Breathing Test

Try breathing through one nostril while closing the other. See if it’s hard to breathe. This can show if one nostril is harder to breathe through. Do the same with the other nostril to compare.

Tracking Symptom Patterns

Keep a record of your symptoms. Write down when you have nasal congestion, trouble breathing, or sinus infections. This can help you see if your symptoms might be from a deviated septum.

Limitations of Self-Diagnosis

While these steps can be helpful, they’re not a full diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic says a doctor must check you to confirm a deviated septum. So, if you think you might have one, see a doctor for a proper check-up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Deviated Septum Self-Test

Checking for a deviated septum at home is simple. Follow this guide to learn about your nasal anatomy and breathing. This can help you understand any breathing issues you might have.

Step 1: Prepare for the Assessment

Start by making sure you’re in a quiet, comfy spot. Clear your nose by gently blowing it. This step is key for getting accurate results.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Nostril Separately

Close one nostril with your finger and breathe through the other. Do this for both sides. This test, like the single-nostril breathing test, shows airflow differences.

Step 3: Compare Airflow Between Nostrils

Do the single-nostril breathing test on both sides again. If one nostril has much less airflow, it might mean you have a deviated septum. This method can spot issues.

Step 4: Document Your Findings

Write down what you find. This helps track changes and gives info for a doctor if needed. Note any airflow differences, discomfort, or symptoms.

By following these steps, you can do a deviated septum self-test well. If you think you have a deviated septum or have ongoing symptoms, see a doctor for a proper check-up.

When to Seek Professional Medical Diagnosis

Self-assessment can give you clues, but a doctor’s diagnosis is key to confirm a deviated septum. They can also guide you on the best treatment.

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

Certain symptoms mean you should see a doctor right away. These include:

• Severe nasal obstruction that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Recurring sinus infections that do not respond to treatment
• Nosebleeds that are frequent or difficult to control
• Facial pain or pressure that persists

The Mayo Clinic says a doctor diagnoses a deviated septum with a physical exam. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s vital to seek medical help quickly.

Finding the Right Specialist

For a deviated septum, see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an otolaryngologist. To find a good specialist:

1. Ask your primary care physician for a referral
2. Check professional certifications, such as board certification in otolaryngology
3. Read patient reviews to gauge satisfaction with care

It’s important to research and choose a specialist with experience in deviated septums.

What to Expect During a Professional Examination

The specialist will examine your nasal passages thoroughly. This may include:

• A visual inspection using a nasal speculum to examine the nasal septum
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, to assess the extent of the deviation
• A review of your medical history to identify any related conditions

A professional examination is key to understanding your condition’s severity and finding the right treatment.

Diagnostic Tools and Procedures

Diagnostic tools for a deviated septum include:

As noted by medical professionals,

“A thorough diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment for a deviated septum.”

Knowing the diagnostic process helps you prepare for your appointment and make informed decisions about your care.

Differentiating a Deviated Septum from Other Nasal Conditions

Nasal conditions like nasal polyps, allergies, and chronic sinusitis can look like a deviated septum. This makes it hard to figure out what’s wrong on your own. Knowing the signs of each condition is key to getting the right help.

Nasal Polyps vs. Deviated Septum

Nasal polyps grow in the nasal passages and can block your nose and reduce your sense of smell. They are different from a deviated septum because they are often caused by long-term inflammation and allergies.

Key differences:

• Nasal polyps usually grow in both nostrils.
• They are often linked with asthma and sensitivity to aspirin.
• Treatment for nasal polyps may include corticosteroids or surgery.

Allergies and Their Symptoms

Allergies can make your nose stuffy, make you sneeze, and itch your eyes. These symptoms are similar to those of a deviated septum. But allergies also make your nose and throat itch.

“Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that can be confused with a deviated septum due to similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.”

Cleveland Clinic

Chronic Sinusitis and Related Issues

Chronic sinusitis is when your sinuses stay inflamed, causing stuffy nose, facial pain, and thick discharge. While a deviated septum can make sinusitis worse, they are not the same thing.

Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinate hypertrophy is when the turbinate bones in your nose get bigger. This can block your nose and might need its own treatment, even if you have a deviated septum.

It’s important to know the differences between these nasal conditions to get the right treatment. If you have ongoing nasal problems, see a doctor for help.

Treatment Options and Living with a Deviated Septum

There are many ways to treat a deviated septum, from non-surgical methods to surgery. Surgery is often needed to fix a deviated septum. But, non-surgical options can help ease symptoms.

Non-Surgical Management Approaches

Non-surgical methods can help with a deviated septum. These include:

• Decongestants to reduce nasal congestion
• Antihistamines to manage allergies that may worsen symptoms
• Nasal steroid sprays to lessen inflammation

The Mayo Clinic says medicines can help symptoms but don’t fix the septum. These treatments are good for those with mild symptoms or who can’t have surgery.

Surgical Interventions: Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Surgery is often the best way to fix a deviated septum. The main surgery is septoplasty. It aims to straighten the septum and improve breathing.

Rhinoplasty might be done with septoplasty if there are looks or breathing issues.

Recovery and Post-Treatment Care

After septoplasty or rhinoplasty, it’s important to follow recovery and care steps. This includes:

• Resting and avoiding hard activities
• Using nasal saline irrigations to clean the nasal passages
• Following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions

It’s key to follow your healthcare provider’s advice for a smooth recovery.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Better Breathing

Medical treatments aren’t the only way to improve breathing. Lifestyle changes can also help. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid breathing problems
• Avoiding allergens and irritants that worsen nasal congestion
• Using humidifiers to keep the air moist and prevent nasal dryness

By making these lifestyle changes and getting the right medical treatment, people with a deviated septum can live better.

Conclusion

Knowing you have a deviated septum is key to feeling better. We’ve looked at why it happens, what symptoms it causes, and how doctors find it. This knowledge helps people get the right treatment and feel better.

A deviated septum can really mess with your daily life. It can make it hard to sleep and feel good overall. Doctors say it’s important to get it checked and treated right.

Handling a deviated septum means taking steps yourself and getting help from doctors. We talked about different ways to manage it, like not needing surgery or needing surgery like septoplasty. The right treatment can make a big difference in how you feel.

In short, understanding and spotting a deviated septum is vital. This article shows why seeing a doctor is important if you’re not feeling right.

FAQ

References

Baugh, R. F., Archer, S. M., Mitchell, R. B., Rosenfeld, R. M., Amin, R.,侧. R., . . . Witsell, D. L. (2011). Clinical Practice Guideline: Tonsillectomy in Children. Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 144(1 Suppl), S1-S30. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0194599810389949