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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIf a deviation in your nasal septum is minor, you may have no symptoms and you may not even know you have a deviated septum. If the deviation is severe, however, it may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Obstruction of one or both nostrils. This obstruction can make it difficult to breathe through the nostril or nostrils. This may be more noticeable when you have a cold (upper respiratory tract infection) or allergies that cause your nasal passages to swell and narrow.
- Nasal congestion. As a result of nasal congestion, postnasal drip also is common. Postnasal drip occurs when mucus is blocked from flowing out of your nose, causing it to drip into and linger in the back of your throat.
- Nosebleeds. The surface of your nasal septum may become dry, increasing your risk of nosebleeds.
- Frequent or recurring sinus infections. Sinus infections can result from blocked mucus and are often marked by facial pain and headaches.
- Noisy breathing during sleep. This is more common in infants and young children with deviated septums.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience:
- Recurring sinus infections
- Frequent nosebleeds
- A blocked nostril that doesn't respond to treatment within two to three weeks
References
- Chandra RK, et al. Diagnosis of nasal airway obstruction. The Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2009;42:207.
- Fact sheet: Deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/deviatedSeptum.cfm. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Fettman N, et al. Surgical management of the deviated septum: Techniques in septoplasty. The Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2009;42:241.
- Nose surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/noseSurgery.cfm. Accessed April 26, 2009.
- Ferguson BJ. Septoplasty and turbinate reduction. American Rhinologic Society. http://www.american-rhinologic.org/patientinfo.septoplasty.phtml. Accessed April 25, 2009.
- Higuera S, et al. Nasal trauma and the deviated nose. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;120(suppl 2):64
- Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch089/ch089c.html. Accessed April 26, 2009.
- Septal deviation and perforation. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091f.html. Accessed April 26, 2009.
