Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is a condition in which the thin wall of cartilage and bone (the nasal septum) that divides the two nasal passages is displaced to one side. This misalignment can make one nasal passage smaller than the other, leading to difficulty with airflow through the nose.

A deviated septum may be present at birth due to abnormal development, or it can result from injury to the nose, such as a fracture. In many cases, the condition is mild and causes no noticeable symptoms. However, more significant deviations can interfere with normal breathing.

Common symptoms include nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, and facial pressure. Some individuals may also experience recurrent sinus infections due to impaired drainage of the nasal passages.

Diagnosis is typically done by using a nasal speculum or a small camera (nasal endoscopy) to assess the internal structure of the nose.

Treatment depends on symptom severity. Mild cases may be managed with medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation and improve airflow. In more severe cases, a surgical procedure called septoplasty may be performed to straighten the septum and restore normal breathing.

Overall, a deviated septum is a common and treatable condition, and many individuals experience significant improvement in breathing and quality of life after appropriate management.