The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nose into two sides. When it is bent (deviated) — from birth or after an injury — it can block airflow, cause snoring and contribute to sinus problems.
Nose & Sinus Condition
Deviated Nasal Septum
A bent partition inside the nose that blocks breathing on one or both sides.
Overview
Common symptoms
- Blocked nose, often on one side
- Mouth breathing and snoring
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Headache or facial pressure
- Recurrent sinus infections
Common causes
- Present from birth or growth
- Injury to the nose
How it is diagnosed
Anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy
CT scan if sinus disease is suspected
Treatment
Nasal sprays help associated swelling but cannot straighten the septum. When the deviation causes troublesome symptoms, endoscopic septoplasty corrects it from inside the nose, without any external scar.
Surgical treatment options
See a doctor promptly if you have:
- Persistent one-sided blockage
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Blockage after a nose injury
Frequently asked questions
Only if it causes significant symptoms. Many mild deviations need no treatment.
No — septoplasty works inside the nose.
This page is for general patient information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment depends on your examination and test results.
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