The nasal septum is the partition between the nostrils. When the wall or partition between the nasal cavities is not in the mid-line and is deflected to one side, it is called a deviated septum. This occurs either from birth or due to some injury to the nose. Deviated septum is a common occurrence, and an estimated 80 percent of us have some deviation of the septum, according to Southwestern Medical Center. If the deviation is minor, it may not cause any symptoms and you may not even realize that you have a deviation. If severe, it causes symptoms that require you to see your doctor.
Nose Blockage
When the septum is central, it allows easy airflow and breathing through the nose. The most common symptom of deviated septum is nose blockage. The nose blockage makes it difficult to breathe well through the nose. The blockage occurs on the side of the bend, due to reduced airflow entering inside. One nasal passage becomes narrower than the other as a result of the bend. Occasionally, the opposite nostril can be blocked, resulting in a total nose blockage. The nose blockage is worsened with a cold or infection, which causes the tissues in the nose to swell up, according to the Mayo Clinic. With a minor deviation of the septum, you may be symptom-free and experience stuffiness of the nose only when you get a cold.
Sinus Infections
A deviated septum will block the opening of your sinuses and interfere with their drainage, resulting in sinus infections. This will manifest as headache, facial pain and postnasal drip, which is mucus trickling in the back of your throat.
Nosebleeds
Abnormal anatomy because of the bend predisposes you to nosebleeds. This is caused by the drying effect of the airflow.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep apnea is blockage of breathing during sleep as a result of blockage of the nose. This causes snoring, difficulty sleeping at night and daytime sleepiness. Noisy breathing during sleep is common in children with a deviated septum, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other Symptoms
Headaches can occur due to pressure of the septum on the nearby nerves. Headaches can also occur when there is an associated sinus infection. Very rarely, the nose blockage may be so severe that it causes decreased smell sensation. Mouth breathing can occur with a deviated septum.
If the deviated septum is significant and causes numerous symptoms and difficulty breathing, consult your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a simple surgery to rectify the problem.
