Understanding a Deviated Septum: If you constantly feel like one side of your nose is blocked, struggle to breathe freely, or suffer from chronic stuffiness, you may have heard the term "deviated septum." It sounds complicated, but it’s a very common condition.
What Exactly is a Deviated Septum?
Think of the inside of your nose as a house with two rooms. The wall that divides these two rooms (your left and right nasal passages) is called the nasal septum. It’s made of thin bone and cartilage. In a perfect nose, this wall would be straight down the middle, making the two rooms even. But for most people, it's slightly off-center. A deviated septum simply means this wall is significantly shifted to one side. This can make one "room," or nasal passage, much smaller than the other, leading to that frustrating feeling of being blocked. You can be born with a deviated septum, or it can be the result of an injury to the nose.
How Do I Know If This Is My Problem? Common Symptoms
While many people have a slightly deviated septum with no issues, others experience symptoms that affect their daily life. The most common signs include:
Difficulty Breathing Through Your Nose: This is the hallmark symptom. It may be worse on one side and more noticeable when you have a cold or allergies.
Frequent Nosebleeds: The altered airflow can dry out the surface of your septum, making it more prone to bleeding.
Recurring Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): A blocked nasal passage can prevent your sinuses from draining properly, leading to repeated infections.
Noisy Breathing or Snoring During Sleep: The obstruction can cause turbulence as you breathe, leading to loud breathing or snoring.
Facial Pain or Pressure: In some cases, a severe deviation can cause pressure or pain on one side of the face.
How Is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?
Figuring out if you have a deviated septum is straightforward. Your doctor, usually an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, will:
Ask About Your Symptoms: They’ll want to know about your breathing, congestion, and any other issues you’re experiencing.
Look Inside Your Nose: Using a bright light and a handheld instrument called a nasal speculum, the doctor can easily see the position of your septum and determine if it’s deviated.
Perform a Nasal Endoscopy (if needed): For a more detailed view, the doctor might use a nasal endoscope—a thin, rigid tube with a tiny camera on the end—to look deeper into your nasal passages. This is a simple in-office procedure.
Can It Get Worse Over Time?
The physical deviation of the septum itself usually doesn't worsen with age. However, the symptoms you feel can become more noticeable. Disease-related changes in your nasal structures, or the development of allergies, can make the blockage from an existing deviation feel more severe.
The Solution: What is Septoplasty?
If your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a septoplasty.
The Goal: The sole purpose of a septoplasty is to straighten the septum to improve airflow. It is a functional surgery, not a cosmetic one.
The Procedure: This is a very common and safe procedure. The surgeon works entirely through the nostrils, so there are no external incisions or bruising on your face. They will reposition the deviated cartilage and bone to the center of your nose. This will require you to sleep (general anesthesia) during procedure. You may need 1-2 days being in the hospital.
The Recovery: You can expect to feel congested and stuffy for about a week after surgery, similar to having a bad cold. Your doctor may place soft splints inside your nose to support the healing septum, which are removed at your first follow-up visit. Most people are back to their normal, non-strenuous activities within a week or two.
The Outcome: The potential for improved quality of life is the biggest reason people choose to have a septoplasty. The goal is clear: to help you breathe freely through your nose, reduce congestion, improve sleep, and decrease the frequency of sinus issues.
If you believe a deviated septum is causing your breathing problems, the first step is to talk to a doctor. Together, you can confirm the diagnosis and decide on the best path forward for you.
Asst.Prof. Wirach Chitsuthipakorn
Rajavithi Hospital