Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Saadet Demir
How to tell if you have a deviated septum by recognizing common symptoms like chronic congestion and one-sided breathing difficulty. A deviated septum happens when the thin wall between the nasal passages gets out of place. This wall is made of cartilage and bone. It makes one nasal passage smaller than the other. This condition is very common and affects many people.
The Cleveland Clinic says a deviated septum can lead to breathing problems, stuffy nose, and headaches. Knowing the warning signs and doing simple checks can help figure out if you have a deviated septum.
Spotting it early and getting the right diagnosis is key for good nasal health and breathing. We’ll cover the main symptoms and how to diagnose a deviated septum. This will help you understand if you might have one.
It’s important to know about the nasal septum and how it can be off-center. The nasal septum is a key part of the nose. It’s made of cartilage and bone and splits the nasal cavity into two sides.
The nasal septum is a thin wall of bone and cartilage. It separates the two sides of the nasal passages. It helps support the nose and makes sure air flows well through the nostrils.
A deviated septum happens when the nasal septum is crooked. This makes one nostril smaller than the other. It can cause breathing problems, like trouble breathing through one or both nostrils.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a deviated septum can be from birth or a nose injury.
Many people have deviated septums. About 80% of people have some degree of nasal septum deviation. But not all have symptoms.
The severity of the deviation can affect how bad the symptoms are. This varies from person to person.
Prevalence | Description | Symptomatic Cases |
80% | Some degree of nasal septum deviation | Variable |
20% | Significant deviation causing symptoms | Common |
5% | Severe deviation requiring medical intervention | High |
Knowing these numbers helps both patients and doctors. It shows how a deviated septum can affect someone’s life. It also helps decide on the right treatment.
Many things can cause a deviated septum, like congenital factors, trauma and injury, and age-related changes. Knowing what causes it helps find the right treatment.
Some people are born with a deviated septum. This can happen because of genetic predispositions or how they developed in the womb. The Mayo Clinic says some people are born with this issue. It can be mild or severe and affect breathing and daily life.
Getting hurt in the nose can also cause a deviated septum. This might happen from sports injuries, falls, or other accidents. The injury can push the septum off track, making it hard to breathe.
As we get older, our septum can shift more. This is because of aging. The septum might get crooked or the nasal passages narrow, making breathing harder. Aging also weakens the nose, making it more likely to deviate.
In summary, deviated septums can come from being born with it, getting hurt, or aging. Knowing these causes is key to getting the right medical help.
Knowing the signs of a deviated septum is key to getting the right medical help. A deviated septum can lead to many problems. These issues affect not just your nose but also your overall health.
One common sign of a deviated septum is trouble breathing through one nostril. This happens because the deviation blocks the air flow. It makes breathing through the affected nostril harder.
Symptoms to watch for:
Nasal congestion is a common problem for those with a deviated septum. The deviation can make the nasal passages congested. This leads to a feeling of being blocked.
Nasal congestion can significantly impact daily activities. It makes it harder to do things that need focus or physical effort.
A deviated septum can make you more likely to get sinus infections over and over. The abnormal shape can stop the sinuses from draining properly. This creates a perfect place for infections to grow.
Common signs of recurring sinus infections include:
Sleep problems and snoring can also be signs of a deviated septum. The blockage can cause you to breathe through your mouth. This can mess up your sleep and make you snore.
Potential sleep-related issues:
Symptom | Description |
Snoring | Loud, harsh breathing during sleep |
Sleep Disruption | Frequent awakenings during the night |
Daytime Fatigue | Feeling tired and unrefreshed during the day |
Spotting these symptoms is the first step to fixing the problem. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, seeing a healthcare professional is a must. They can give you the right diagnosis and treatment.
It’s important to know about secondary signs and symptoms of a deviated septum. These signs can give more insight into the condition, even if the main symptoms are not as obvious.
Frequent nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are common secondary symptoms. The irregular septum can make nasal passages dry and cracked, leading to bleeding. The Mayo Clinic says dry air and a deviated septum can make nosebleeds more likely.
Facial pain and pressure are also signs of a deviated septum. The abnormal airflow and pressure can cause sinus pain and facial discomfort. Sometimes, this pain is mistaken for other issues like sinusitis or migraines.
Noisy breathing, often during sleep, can indicate a deviated septum. The obstruction leads to turbulent airflow, causing noisy breathing or snoring. This symptom is more noticeable in those with a significantly deviated septum.
Nasal crusting and dryness are secondary symptoms of a deviated septum. The changed airflow can dry out the nasal mucosa, causing crusts and discomfort. This can also make the nose feel congested.
Symptom | Description | Possible Complications |
Frequent Nosebleeds | Dryness and cracking of the nasal passages | Recurring bleeding, nasal discomfort |
Facial Pain and Pressure | Abnormal airflow and sinus pressure | Chronic pain, sinus infections |
Noisy Breathing | Turbulent airflow during sleep | Snoring, sleep disruption |
Nasal Crusting and Dryness | Altered nasal airflow and mucosa dryness | Nasal congestion, discomfort |
Knowing these secondary signs can help you spot a deviated septum. If you notice several of these symptoms, see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are simple ways to check if you might have a deviated septum. These methods are easy, don’t hurt, and you can do them at home.
One easy test is the nostril airflow test. Here’s how to do it:
If one nostril lets more air than the other, it might mean you have a deviated septum.
Another way is to use a mirror to look inside your nostrils. Look for any odd shapes or blockages in your nasal passage.
Steps to follow:
Try breathing exercises to see if you have a deviated septum. Breathe in deeply through your nose and then breathe out slowly. See if you feel any trouble or pain.
Writing down your symptoms can help a lot. Keep track of how often and how bad symptoms like stuffy nose, trouble breathing, or sinus infections are. This info can help a doctor figure out what’s going on.
Self-Assessment Technique | Description | Potential Indicator of Deviated Septum |
Nostril Airflow Test | Compare airflow through each nostril | Significant difference in airflow |
Mirror Examination | Examine nasal septum for deviations | Visible deviation or obstruction |
Breathing Exercises | Assess breathing difficulty | Difficulty breathing or discomfort |
Symptom Tracking | Record frequency and severity of symptoms | Frequent or severe nasal congestion or sinus infections |
It’s important to know the risk factors and complications of a deviated septum. This condition can really affect your life. Some factors can make complications more likely.
Some people are more likely to have symptoms from a deviated septum. This includes:
Knowing these risk factors can help in early diagnosis and treatment. This can make symptoms less severe.
If a deviated septum is not treated, it can cause serious problems. The Mayo Clinic says complications include dry mouth, disturbed sleep, and repeated nosebleeds. Other issues can also happen, such as:
Complication | Description |
Chronic Sinusitis | Recurring inflammation or infection of the sinuses |
Sleep Disturbances | Difficulty sleeping due to nasal congestion or obstruction |
Nasal Discharge and Crusting | Excessive nasal discharge and crusting due to chronic irritation |
Knowing about these complications shows why it’s key to see a doctor if symptoms don’t go away or get worse.
We suggest talking to an ENT specialist if you think you might have a deviated septum. Getting help early can greatly improve your life and prevent serious problems later.
Knowing when to see a doctor for a deviated septum is important. A deviated septum can cause a lot of discomfort and health problems. But, not everyone needs to rush to the doctor right away. There are times when you should definitely go see a healthcare professional.
The severity of your symptoms is a big clue. If you have constant nasal congestion, trouble breathing, or keep getting sinus infections, it’s time to talk to a doctor. The Cleveland Clinic says if you have trouble breathing or keep getting nosebleeds, tell your doctor.
Some common severity indicators include:
If a deviated septum is messing with your daily life, it’s a sign you need to see a doctor. This could mean trouble sleeping, feeling tired all the time, or having a hard time with physical activities.
“If your symptoms are impacting your daily activities, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional,” they can help figure out what to do next.
A deviated septum can really affect how you live your life. If you’re always in pain, have trouble doing everyday things, or feel uncomfortable all the time, you should get medical help. Treating a deviated septum is about more than just fixing symptoms; it’s about improving your life.
“The goal of treatment is not just to alleviate symptoms but to improve overall well-being.”
In some cases, a deviated septum can be a serious emergency. If you have severe nosebleeds, intense facial pain, or trouble breathing, you need to go to the hospital right away. These signs can mean you have a more serious problem that needs quick treatment.
Emergency warning signs include:
Knowing when to get medical help for a deviated septum is key for your health. By paying attention to how severe your symptoms are, how they affect your daily life, and any emergency signs, you can take the right steps to get better.
ENT specialists use different methods to check for a deviated septum. It’s important to get a correct diagnosis to choose the right treatment.
An ENT specialist usually starts with a physical check. They look into the nasal passages to see if there are any problems.
A nasal endoscopy is used for a closer look. A flexible or rigid endoscope is put into the nasal cavity. This lets them see the nasal passages and sinuses clearly.
Advanced imaging techniques like CT scans might be needed. They give a detailed view of the nasal passages and sinuses. This helps understand how big the deviation is and if there are other issues.
The differential diagnosis process helps rule out other conditions. It involves looking at the patient’s symptoms and test results. This confirms if a deviated septum is present.
It’s important to tell a deviated septum apart from other nasal issues. A deviated septum can make breathing hard, but other problems can also cause similar symptoms. So, figuring out the exact cause is key.
Nasal polyps grow in the nasal passages and block airflow. They are different from a deviated septum, which is a structural problem. Polyps are linked to chronic inflammation and can be seen in chronic rhinosinusitis. Key differences include:
Chronic sinusitis means the sinuses are always inflamed, causing nasal congestion, facial pain, and thick discharge. Some symptoms are the same as a deviated septum, but chronic sinusitis is an inflammation issue. Notable distinctions include:
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction in the nasal passages, causing sneezing, itching, and congestion. It can block the nose like a deviated septum, but it’s caused by different things. Key differences include:
Nasal valve collapse is when the nasal valve area weakens or collapses, causing obstruction. It can happen with a deviated septum and share some symptoms. Important distinctions include:
Knowing these differences helps doctors give better diagnoses and treatments for breathing problems.
Getting a diagnosis of a deviated septum is a big step towards fixing breathing problems and other symptoms. It can be tough to know what to do next, but it’s important to understand your options.
Places like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic say treatment can be non-surgical or surgery. The choice depends on how bad the deviation is and how it affects your life.
For mild cases, treatments like nasal decongestants or antihistamines might help. But for serious cases, surgery might be needed. Knowing how to treat a deviated septum well is important for feeling better.
After you find out you have a deviated septum, you’ll likely talk to an ENT specialist. They’ll help figure out the best treatment for you. This might include looking inside your nose with a special tool.
Acting quickly to treat your deviated septum can really improve your life. By looking into your options and working with your doctor, you can breathe better and feel healthier.
A deviated septum is when the thin wall between the nasal passages is off-center. This makes one passage smaller than the other.
About 80% of people have some nasal septum deviation.
Symptoms include trouble breathing through one nostril, nasal congestion, and recurring sinus infections. Sleep disruption is also common.
Yes, it can lead to frequent nosebleeds. This is because of the abnormal airflow and dryness in the nasal passages.
You can try the nostril airflow test, mirror examination, and breathing exercises. Tracking your symptoms can also help.
The nostril airflow test involves closing one nostril and breathing through the other. It checks for airflow obstruction.
Seek medical help if your symptoms are severe. They should also impact your daily activities or quality of life.
A deviated septum is diagnosed through a physical exam by an ENT specialist. Nasal endoscopy and CT scans are also used.
Yes, some cases can be treated without surgery. But surgery might be needed for more severe cases.
Untreated complications include chronic sinusitis, sleep disturbances, and respiratory problems.
A proper diagnosis by an ENT specialist can tell you. They can differentiate between a deviated septum and other conditions like nasal polyps.
Yes, it can cause facial pain and pressure. This is due to the abnormal airflow and sinus pressure.
Some people are born with it. Others may develop it due to trauma or age-related changes.
Yes, it can disrupt sleep and cause snoring. This is because of breathing difficulties.