A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing your nasal cavity, is off-center. This structural misalignment can reduce the space within one or both nasal passages. When this partition is crooked, it affects how air flows through your nose.
Understanding a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum can be present at birth, often due to fetal development or childbirth injury. It can also develop later in life from trauma to the nose. Injuries from contact sports, car accidents, or falls are frequent causes that shift the septum from its central position.
When the septum is significantly misaligned, it can lead to several symptoms. Many experience difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. Other issues include frequent nosebleeds, facial pain, and headaches. Noisy breathing during sleep, such as snoring or sleep apnea, can also result from a deviated septum.
Does a Deviated Septum Heal Naturally?
A deviated septum is a structural abnormality of the nasal bone and cartilage that does not heal or correct itself. Unlike soft tissues, the septum’s rigid nature means it remains displaced once bent. Its bony and cartilaginous components do not possess the capacity for self-realignment or regeneration.
This permanent structural change means the deviation will not naturally improve or straighten. While some believe symptoms will resolve, the underlying physical displacement persists. The condition might even worsen with age as nasal structures change. Any symptom relief without intervention is temporary and does not correct the septal position.
When to Consider Treatment
Treatment for a deviated septum depends on symptom severity and impact on daily life. If breathing difficulties significantly affect comfort or physical activity, medical intervention may be beneficial. Chronic nosebleeds or recurrent sinus infections also indicate a need for treatment, as a deviated septum can impair proper sinus drainage.
Severe sleep disturbances, such as persistent snoring or diagnosed sleep apnea, also warrant medical advice. A healthcare provider can assess the deviation’s extent and determine if it contributes to these issues. The decision to pursue treatment is guided by how much the condition interferes with quality of life.
Common Treatment Approaches
Managing a deviated septum involves non-surgical and surgical methods, depending on symptom severity. Non-surgical options primarily alleviate symptoms without correcting the structural issue. These include nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation and improve airflow. Decongestants and antihistamines relieve congestion and allergy symptoms. Nasal strips or dilators physically open passages, offering temporary relief from obstruction.
For lasting correction, septoplasty is the primary surgical approach. During this procedure, a surgeon reshapes or removes septal bone and cartilage to straighten and reposition it. Performed through the nostrils, it leaves no external facial incisions. Septoplasty aims to improve airflow and alleviate breathing difficulties caused by the deviation.