A deviated septum can be problematic, leading many to seek treatment. While some people can have a deviated septum without realising, symptoms such as breathing problems, congestion and headaches often require some form of intervention.
If you suspect you have a deviated septum, book an ENT consultation.
What is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum happens when the bone and cartilage “wall” that divides the nasal cavity becomes off-centre. It will be significantly displaced to one side, leading to one air passage looking smaller than the other.
Around 80% of people have some form of deviation in their septum. Most cases are minor and do not cause issues. However, a severe deviated septum can lead to reduced airflow and breathing difficulties.
What causes a deviated septum?
A deviated septum can be caused by several different factors. Some people are born with a deviated septum, while others experience deviation as part of normal growth and development.
Another common cause of a deviated septum is injury to the nose, such as a broken nose. This could be due to anything from a fall or physical altercation, to contact sports or a car accident.
How do you know if you have a deviated septum?
If a deviated septum is suspected, a doctor or healthcare professional can diagnose this with a nasal speculum to establish whether treatment is needed. The main symptoms of a deviated septum that requires treatment include:
- Difficulty breathing out of one or both nostrils
- Nasal congestion
- Nose bleeds
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic sinusitis
How is a deviated septum treated?
If a deviated septum is minor and does not cause problems, treatment is usually not required. However, if symptoms affect your quality of life or worsen, treatment may be advised. Depending on the severity of the deviation, doctors could recommend medication or surgery.
Medication
For mild cases of a deviated septum, your healthcare professional might suggest over-the-counter medications. These often include:
- Nasal saline sprays
- Nasal steroid sprays
- Nasal decongestants
- Antihistamines
Medication is typically advised if you have mild symptoms such as a blocked or stuffy nose or swelling in the nasal passage. Most medications will help to reduce nasal swelling, open the airways, and help with drainage. It’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance and ensure you do not use medication for longer than advised.
Septoplasty
If you have a severely deviated septum, septoplasty surgery may be recommended. This is the most common procedure for a deviated septum and involves reshaping the septum to improve symptoms. Bone or cartilage could be added or removed during the surgery, which is performed as a day case.
A septoplasty is advised for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, chronic sinus infections, or facial pain and headaches.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, speak to an ENT specialist to establish whether septoplasty surgery is an option for you.
Septorhinoplasty
In some cases, a septorhinoplasty could be advised. This unique procedure combines a septoplasty with a rhinoplasty to fix a deviated septum while improving the aesthetic appearance of the nose.
Can a deviated septum be prevented?
As with many medical issues, prevention is always better than cure. However, sometimes this is not possible, such as if you were born with or develop a deviated septum as part of normal development.
If you do not currently have any deviation in your septum, you can prevent it by reducing the risk of injury to your nose. For example, you should always wear protective gear when playing sports.
While a deviated septum is common, you should seek advice if your symptoms are severe or worsen over time. Modality LLP partners with experienced specialists who can help you find the right treatment. Speak to our team or book an ENT consultation to learn more.
