Deviated Septum

What is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) separating the nasal passages is misaligned, often causing one nasal passage to be smaller than the other. This condition can lead to breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections, and other complications. While some individuals are born with a deviated septum, others develop it due to injury or aging. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Types of Deviated Septum

Deviated septums vary based on their cause and extent, requiring tailored treatment approaches:

Degrees of Severity

The severity of a deviated septum depends on the degree of misalignment and its impact on nasal function:

• Mild: Slight deviation with minimal symptoms, often managed with conservative treatments.
• Moderate: Noticeable deviation causing persistent congestion or sinus issues, requiring medical or minor procedural intervention.
• Severe: Significant deviation blocking airflow, causing frequent infections or snoring, often needing surgical correction.

Signs and Symptoms of Deviated Septum

A deviated septum can cause a range of symptoms that affect breathing, sleep, and overall comfort. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely treatment.

Common Warning Signs

• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, often worse on one side.
• Frequent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis due to blocked drainage.
• Nasal congestion, particularly on one side of the nose.
• Nosebleeds caused by dry or irritated nasal passages.
• Facial pain or headaches, especially around the sinuses.
• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep, sometimes linked to sleep apnea.
• Postnasal drip, causing throat irritation or cough.
• Reduced sense of smell in severe cases.
• Recurrent ear infections due to impaired sinus drainage.

Causes of Deviated Septum

A deviated septum can result from congenital factors, injury, or other conditions affecting nasal structure. Common causes include:

Congenital and Developmental Causes

• Congenital condition: Misalignment of the septum present at birth.
• Developmental changes: Uneven growth during childhood or adolescence.
• Aging: Natural changes in nasal cartilage or bone over time.

Trauma and Injury

• Nasal trauma: Injuries from accidents, sports, falls, or physical altercations.
• Previous nasal surgery: Complications from prior nasal or sinus procedures.
• Repeated minor trauma: Chronic pressure or minor injuries affecting nasal structure.

Other Contributing Factors

• Chronic inflammation: Allergies or infections causing swelling and structural changes.
• Environmental irritants: Exposure to pollutants or smoke exacerbating nasal issues.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history of nasal or sinus conditions.

Prevention and Nasal Health

While congenital deviated septums cannot be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk of trauma-related deviations and manage symptoms.

Protect Your Nasal Passages

• Wear protective gear during sports or activities with risk of nasal injury.
• Avoid physical altercations or activities that may cause nasal trauma.
• Manage allergies or respiratory infections promptly to reduce inflammation.
• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist and prevent irritation.
• Practice nasal irrigation with saline to clear mucus and irritants.
• Avoid exposure to environmental irritants like smoke or pollutants.
• Schedule regular ENT check-ups to monitor nasal and sinus health.

Treatment Options for Deviated Septum

At ENT Gurgaon, we offer tailored treatments, from non-surgical management to advanced surgical corrections, to address deviated septum and improve breathing. Our expert team uses state-of-the-art techniques for optimal results.