A deviated septum, or nasal septal deviation (NSD), is when the septum (the thin wall that separates the two nasal passages in the nose) is off-center. A curved septum bends to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other.
As many as 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation. People with a deviated septum may experience chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, trouble sleeping, headaches, facial pain, and nosebleeds.
A curved septum narrows the nasal passage, restricting the flow of air and making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Depending on the severity of the bend or curve, one or both nostrils may feel blocked or blocked, and you may feel the constant need to blow your nose to try to clear them.
Congestion and restricted airflow through one or both nostrils can force you to breathe through your mouth, which can lead to additional symptoms such as dry mouth and sore throat.
The nose acts as a natural filter by trapping dust, allergens and other airborne particles in the mucus that lines the nasal passages. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia filter these particles. This filtering process becomes less effective when a deviated septum obstructs one or both nasal passages.
A deviated septum can also interfere with the natural drainage of mucus. As a result, bacteria, viruses and other irritants can accumulate in the nasal cavity and sinuses, increasing the risk of sinus infections.
Many people with a deviated septum experience recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis, which leads to symptoms such as facial pressure and post-nasal drip – where mucus runs down the back of the throat.
A deviated septum can lead to one-sided facial pain, pressure, and tenderness when the sinuses (the air-filled sacs that produce mucus) cannot effectively drain mucus into the nasal cavity and nose.
Mucus builds up in the sinuses, causing pressure or tenderness in the cheeks or around the nose and eyes. This discomfort is similar to a sinus infection and can be worse when you bend over or lie down.
A deviated septum can press on the tissue lining the walls of the nose or the turbinates (small structures inside the nose that help with airflow). This pressure can irritate surrounding tissues and put pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause headaches.
Headaches can also develop from chronic sinus congestion, causing a dull or throbbing pain around the forehead and pressure that worsens when lying down.
Nosebleeds often occur in people with a deviated septum. When one nasal passage is smaller, uneven airflow can dry out the mucous membrane in the larger nostril. This dryness makes the tissues fragile, and the delicate blood vessels inside the nose can become irritated or cracked.
Frequent nose blowing or changes in temperature and humidity can also increase the risk of nosebleeds.
Nasal congestion and uneven airflow through the nasal passages can contribute to snoring and sleep disturbances in people with a deviated septum. Obstruction of the airway in the supine position causes the soft tissues in the nose and throat to vibrate when you breathe, leading to snoring.
A deviated septum can also cause or contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A misaligned septum can restrict airflow, causing pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. This disorder leads to poor sleep quality, excessive daytime fatigue, and an increased risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
A deviated septum can change your sense of smell and taste.
Your nasal cavity contains olfactory receptors, specialized nerve cells that detect odors and send signals to the brain to allow you to smell smells. A faulty septum can interfere with the function of these receptors, reducing your perception of smell. Mild odors may be more difficult to detect, and stronger odors may appear more subtle.
The senses of smell and taste are interconnected, so a reduced sense of smell can also affect your sense of taste. Food may taste bland, or you may have difficulty distinguishing different tastes.
Children can also have a deviated septum that is either congenital (present from birth) or occurs due to an injury to the nose, such as a sports-related accident. Although not all children with a deviated septum will develop symptoms, some may develop noticeable symptoms such as:
- Breathing through the mouth
- Frequent nasal congestion, especially in one nostril
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Recurrent sinus infections or persistent runny nose
- Sleep problems
- Bleeding from the nose
- Decreased sense of smell or taste
A deviated septum can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have persistent or worsening symptoms. This includes:
- Chronic nasal congestion, especially if it is unilateral
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Mouth breathing or snoring at night
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum is misaligned, causing symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, snoring, mouth breathing, and headaches.
It can also affect your sense of smell and taste and can lead to sleep problems such as obstructive sleep apnea. Seeing a doctor for a diagnosis can help you get the right treatment.