Some people may have noses that appear ‘crooked’ and might constantly have to deal with breathing issues. Such noses get that shape due to a deviated septum, which happens when the thin layer of bone and cartilage dividing the nasal passageway gets displaced. If the breathing issues are temporary, there is no need for concern. However, if the issue persists, it might result from a deviated septum and subsequent inflammation.

Deviated septum
Septum is a thin layer of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passageway into two parts- the left and the right nostril. It is located in the middle of the nasal canal.

A deviated septum is when this layer of bone and cartilage gets deviated, causing one passageway to be smaller. In most cases, a deviated septum is a severe condition that can block a side of the nose and cause breathing difficulties. Expert suggests that about 80% of people have a deviated septum to some degree. Most of these people can go on with their life without facing any problems and needing any intervention from healthcare professionals. However, a small percentage of people experience negative impacts on their health and lifestyle due to a deviated septum.

Causes
A deviated septum can be either a congenital disability or be caused due to external factors.

Some people have it as a congenital condition. Alternatively, it can be caused because of a nose injury. It includes events like falling and hurting the nose or an accident. Common events that cause nasal injury are contact sports and car accidents. While some might have a visibly deviated septum, others might not have a visible one.

Warning signs
It is difficult to know whether or not you have a deviated septum without an expert examining your nose. However, there are some warning signs one can notice to get an inkling of the condition of their septum, including your nose looking crooked while checking the mirror. Another way to check is by tilting your head back and looking up your nostrils to check if one side looks narrower. You could get it examined even if you cannot breathe easily through either nostril. An otolaryngologist or primary care physician can check your nose and suggest further diagnostic tests.

Symptoms
With a narrow passageway caused by the deviated septum, people might experience worsening nasal congestion than people with a normal septum. If your nasal passages often feel blocked out, it is a possibility that you have a deviated septum. The change in airflow inside the nasal cavity can also lead to prolonged inflammation and swelling. It causes increased congestion, worsening the blocking of the nose. Besides impacting one’s breathing ability, a deviated septum also affects one’s sense of smell and taste. People who develop this condition due to an injury might experience pain. Some other symptoms that can indicate a deviated septum are listed below.

• Runny nose
• Prolonged periods where you experience difficulty in breathing through one or both sides of the nose
• Postnasal drip
• Nasal plugging, stuffiness, or congestion
• Snoring
• Trouble tasting or smelling
• A frequent sensation of pain or pressure in the sinuses and ears
• Nosebleeds
• Dryness in either one of the nostrils

If there is severe difficulty in breathing combined with facial pain, it is advised to see a doctor for timely treatment. Frequent sinus infections and nosebleeds are also a cause of concern. If any of the above symptoms negatively affect one’s quality of life, it is advised to get a health checkup.

Diagnosis
Doctors use a nasal speculum device that helps them examine the nasal cavity deeper. It helps the doctors check the septum’s position and diagnose whether or not both nostrils are equally divided. The doctor might also ask you about issues related to sleep, breathing, sinus, and snoring. You can directly approach an ENT specialist if you prefer.

Treatment
Treatment options for a deviated septum can be chosen depending on the severity of the condition. After evaluating your symptoms, the healthcare professional will chart a suitable personalized treatment plan. However, if a person is dealing with nasal congestion, their treatment will start with options to help eliminate the stuffy feeling in the nose.

Nasal strips are adhesive bandages that can open the nasal valves. Prescription treatments can also be used to help bring down the inflammation in the nasal passageway. Some prescription treatment options are suggested to stop the congestion or runny nose if the patient is dealing with allergies. For people with mucus buildup, the health expert might recommend practicing sinus rinses or nasal washes. It helps relieve mucus, allergens, and other particles in the nasal cavity. All these methods are recommended as non-surgical treatment options for a deviated septum.

Septoplasty, a surgical procedure, is suggested when the deviated septum leads to severe health complications. In this procedure, the deviated nasal septum is corrected, or a small part is cut off to open the passageway. Sometimes, septoplasty alone is ineffective and must be combined with other options like rhinoplasty, turbinoplasty , or cartilage grafting. However, such procedures are recommended if the deviated septum affects one’s breathing.