What are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
October 14, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
A deviated septum is a condition where the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nostrils is displaced or deviated, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. Not everyone with a deviated septum experiences noticeable symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose due to reduced airflow in the narrower nasal passage.
- Nosebleeds: Frequent or recurrent nosebleeds, often due to dryness or irritation caused by airflow obstruction.
- Facial Pain or Headaches: Pain in the face, especially around the nose or sinuses, and recurring headaches, often associated with sinus pressure.
- Noisy Breathing During Sleep: Snoring, snorting, or noisy breathing during sleep due to restricted airflow.
- Frequent Sinus Infections: Recurring sinus infections, sinusitis, or sinus congestion due to difficulty draining mucus from the affected nasal passage.
- Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus dripping down the back of the throat, leading to a persistent cough or throat irritation.
- Alteration in Sense of Smell: A reduced sense of smell or taste, potentially due to the blockage or irritation caused by the deviated septum.
- Increased Susceptibility to Respiratory Infections: Greater susceptibility to respiratory infections, colds, or flu due to compromised nasal airflow and impaired mucociliary clearance.
- Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Loud or disruptive snoring during sleep, which may also be associated with sleep apnea in severe cases.
- Breathing Difficulty during Physical Activity: Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or physical exertion, due to reduced airflow.
- Mouth Breathing: Habitual breathing through the mouth, especially during sleep or when the nasal passages are blocked.
- Eye Irritation: Watery or irritated eyes, often due to tear ducts compensating for nasal blockage by producing excess tears.
- Recurrent Ear Infections: Increased frequency of ear infections, particularly in children, due to impaired Eustachian tube function.
- Facial Asymmetry or Obvious Deviation: In some cases, the nose may appear crooked or asymmetrical, especially when looking in a mirror.
It’s important to note that a deviated septum can be congenital (present at birth) or result from injury to the nose. If you suspect you have a deviated septum or are experiencing persistent nasal symptoms, consulting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment is advisable. Treatment may include medications, nasal sprays, or in some cases, surgical correction of the septum (septoplasty).