A deviated nasal septum (DNS) is a common condition in which the thin wall separating the two sides of the nose is displaced to one side. While a mild deviation may cause no symptoms, a significant deviation can affect breathing and overall nasal health.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum may be present from birth or develop after an injury to the nose. Previous nasal trauma, including sports injuries or accidents, can contribute to septal deviation. Natural changes during growth may also cause the septum to become more crooked over time.
Common Symptoms
People with a deviated nasal septum may experience a range of symptoms depending on the degree of deviation and which side of the nasal passage is more affected:
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Persistent nasal blockage or congestion
• Frequent sinus infections
• Headaches or facial pressure
• Snoring or disturbed sleep
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Reduced sense of smell
Symptoms may become more noticeable during a cold or allergy flare-up.
How Is DNS Diagnosed?
An ENT specialist can diagnose a deviated septum through a detailed examination of the nose. Nasal endoscopy may be recommended to assess the septum, nasal passages, turbinates and other possible causes of blockage. At Goutham Multispeciality Clinic, the assessment is structured to understand the full picture of nasal obstruction, including whether allergic factors are contributing to the symptoms alongside the structural deviation.
Treatment Options
If symptoms are mild, medications such as nasal saline or appropriate allergy treatment may provide relief. However, medicines cannot straighten a deviated septum.
When significant obstruction persists despite medical treatment, septoplasty may be recommended. This surgical procedure straightens the nasal septum and aims to improve nasal airflow.
If you have persistent nasal blockage, mouth breathing or snoring, an ENT evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
To book a consultation with Dr. Swathi N at Goutham Multispeciality Clinic, G.M. Complex, GM Palya Main Road, C V Raman Nagar, Bengaluru 560075 (Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM), call +91 9945488546 or WhatsApp: +91 8861191019.
Written by Dr. Swathi N, MBBS (Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru), DLO (JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research), AASC, FAAI (Medtrain), ENT Specialist, Otorhinolaryngologist and ENT and Allergy Specialist, Goutham Multispeciality Clinic, G.M. Complex, GM Palya Main Road, C V Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560075. Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Phone: +91 9945488546.
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