What is a deviated septum?
A wall of cartilage divides the nose into 2 separate chambers. It’s called the nasal
septum. A deviated septum is when this wall is shifted away from the midline. This
may cause congestion, problems with breathing, or nasal discharge.
The most common symptom from a deviated septum is trouble breathing through the nose.
The symptoms are often worse on one side. In some cases, normal sinus drainage is
affected. This can result in repeated sinus infections.
What causes a deviated septum?
You may be born with a deviated septum. Or, it can result from injury, or damage from
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
Other people normally can’t tell you have a deviated septum. Trouble breathing through
the nose, or one side of the nose, is the most common symptom. You may also have stuffiness,
congestion, or a feeling of fullness. A deviated septum can also impair normal drainage
from the sinuses. This can lead to recurrent sinus infections.
How is a deviated septum diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will take a health history and do a physical exam. He or
she will ask questions about any previous injury, and symptoms. The physical exam
may include a nasal speculum, otoscope, or nasal endoscopy. If needed, a CT scan of
the nose may be done.
How is a deviated septum treated?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, surgery may be advised. Septoplasty is
a reconstructive surgery done to correct a deviated nasal septum. The procedure is
done through the nostrils. During the procedure, parts of the septum may be removed,
or readjusted and reinserted into the nose.
Septoplasty may be done with the traditional open surgery from inside the nose. When
open surgery is done, small scars are made on the base of the nose. They are usually
not noticeable. Scarring is not visible when internal surgery is done. Depending on
the severity of the deviation, septoplasty may be done in:
- A surgeon's office
- An outpatient surgery center
- A hospital as an outpatient
- A hospital as an inpatient
The surgeon will let you know when you can get back to normal activities. Many people
recover within a few days and are able to return to school or sedentary work in a
week or so.
After surgery, you may have a splint on the nose to help hold its new shape. You may
also have nasal packs or soft splints in the nostrils to stabilize the septum.
Short-term side effects of surgery may include:
- Face will feel puffy
- Nose may ache
- Dull headache
- Swelling around the eyes
- Bruising around the eyes
- Small amount of bleeding in first few days
- Small ruptured blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface
Healing is a slow process. You may have some swelling for months, especially in the
tip of the nose. Final results of nasal surgery may not be clear for a year or more.
As with any surgery, there can be complications. People vary greatly in their anatomy
and ability to heal. The outcome is never fully predictable. Complications include:
- Nosebleed and/or blood clot
- Perforation (hole) in the septum
- Reaction to the anesthesia
Key points about deviated septum
- The septum is cartilage that divides the nose into 2 separate chambers. A deviated
septum is when the septum is shifted away from the midline.
- The most common symptom is trouble breathing through the nose.
- You may be born with a deviated septum. Or, it may be caused by an injury, or damage
from previous treatments.
- Reconstructive plastic surgery may be done to correct a deviated septum.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also
know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.