A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, the wall dividing the nose into two passages, is off-center or displaced. This condition is common, with estimates suggesting that up to 80% of the population has a nasal septum deviation. For many, this displacement is minor and does not cause noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
When a deviated septum is significant, it can lead to symptoms due to reduced nasal airflow. Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils is common, often worsening during colds or allergies when tissues swell. This difficulty can be more pronounced on one side, or it may alternate between nostrils.
Persistent nasal congestion, stuffiness, or facial pressure, sometimes leading to headaches, are also common. Altered airflow can dry out the nasal septum’s surface, increasing the risk of nosebleeds. Noisy breathing during sleep, snoring, and sleep apnea are indicators, as the obstruction can disrupt normal breathing patterns at night.
Why Self-Diagnosis is Not Reliable
Self-diagnosing a deviated septum is not reliable due to the complex nasal anatomy. While some external signs, such as a crooked nose or uneven nostrils, might suggest a deviation, many internal deviations are not visible externally. Even if the external appearance of the nose seems straight, the internal septum can still be significantly displaced.
Symptoms like nasal congestion, headaches, and recurrent sinus infections can also stem from other conditions. These include allergies, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or common colds. Differentiating between these conditions requires specialized medical knowledge and diagnostic tools not for self-assessment. A definitive diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional, often using a nasal speculum or fiber-optic endoscope to visualize nasal structures.
When to Seek Professional Diagnosis
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worsening nasal symptoms interfering with daily life. Such as chronic nasal obstruction unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments, frequent nosebleeds, or recurrent sinus infections. Symptoms that disrupt sleep, such as loud snoring or pauses in breathing, also warrant medical attention.
A doctor, often an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can accurately diagnose a deviated septum through a physical examination and by reviewing your medical history. They determine if symptoms stem from a deviated septum or another condition. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms, management may include medications like nasal corticosteroid sprays or decongestants to reduce swelling and congestion. For more severe cases, surgical correction, known as septoplasty, may be recommended to straighten the septum and improve airflow.