Deviated septum

The septum is the thin wall made of bone and cartilage that separates your two nostrils. Its main job is to support the nose and direct airflow through each side evenly. When the septum is straight, air can move freely and your nose can filter, humidify and warm the air you breathe.

A deviated septum occurs when this wall is crooked or off-center. Most people’s septums are slightly off, but a significant deviation can block airflow in one or both nostrils. This can make breathing more difficult, cause chronic congestion, and sometimes contribute to sinus infections. In some cases, it can also affect sleep and make snoring worse.

At Mount Nittany Health, our ENT specialists help patients understand their symptoms and find the right treatment for improved breathing and nasal health.

What causes a deviated septum?

Several factors can lead to a deviated septum:

Birth differences: Some people are born with a septum that is naturally crooked. This can happen as the nasal structure develops before birth or during early childhood.
Injury or trauma: A broken nose from a fall, sports accident or car accident can push the septum out of place. Sometimes the injury is minor and goes unnoticed until breathing problems develop later.
Age or growth changes: Children and teens may experience shifts in septum alignment as their face and nasal structures grow. Even minor changes can lead to symptoms if the deviation becomes significant.
Other medical conditions: Chronic nasal inflammation, severe sinus infections or tumors (rarely) can also affect septum alignment.

A deviated septum doesn’t always cause symptoms. Many people live with a slight deviation without noticing it. Problems usually occur when the deviation narrows the nasal passages enough to affect airflow or drainage.

Signs and symptoms of a deviated septum

A deviated septum can present in different ways. Common signs include:

Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
Chronic nasal congestion or stuffiness, sometimes worse on one side
Frequent nosebleeds due to dryness or irritation
Recurrent sinus infections
Facial pain or pressure, particularly on one side
Noisy breathing during sleep or snoring

When to contact your provider

Reach out to your provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Early evaluation can help prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Diagnosing a deviated septum

An ENT specialist can determine whether your symptoms are caused by a deviated septum. Diagnosis usually includes:

Physical examination: The provider uses a lighted instrument to look inside your nose and check for obstruction or deviation.
Imaging tests: A CT scan or other imaging may be ordered if the doctor needs a detailed view of your nasal structures, especially if surgery is being considered.
Medical history review: Your provider will ask about past injuries, nasal symptoms, sinus infections and sleep issues.
Breathing assessment: They may assess how well air flows through each nostril, which can help guide treatment decisions.

Treatments for a deviated septum

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much the deviation affects your daily life:

Medications. Nasal sprays, antihistamines and decongestants can reduce congestion and inflammation. Medications do not fix the septum itself, but they can help manage symptoms.
Surgery (septoplasty). This procedure straightens the septum to improve airflow and reduce blockages. Septoplasty is usually done under anesthesia and can often be performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery typically takes a few weeks, and most people notice significant improvement in breathing, sleep and sinus health.
Additional therapies: If chronic sinusitis is present, your provider may recommend additional treatments, such as sinus irrigation or minor procedures to improve drainage.

Our ENT specialists work closely with you to choose the safest and most effective treatment for your needs.