Understanding Nasal Deviations: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Some individuals have noses that appear asymmetrical or misshapen, often accompanied by breathing difficulties. This condition results from a deviated septum, where the thin bone and cartilage dividing the nasal passages shift from their central position. If breathing problems are temporary, there's usually no cause for concern. Persistent issues may indicate a deviated septum and associated inflammation.

Deviated Septum
The septum is a thin partition made of bone and cartilage that separates the left and right nostrils, situated in the middle of the nasal cavity.

A deviated septum occurs when this partition shifts, narrowing one nasal passage and causing breathing difficulties. Studies show that around 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation. Many live without symptoms or intervention, but in some cases, it impacts health and quality of life.

Causes
Deviations can be congenital or caused by injury. Some individuals are born with a crooked septum, while others develop it after nasal trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents like car crashes. Visible deviations are common, though some may not be immediately noticeable.

Signs to Watch For
Identifying a deviated septum without medical help is difficult. Signs include a crooked appearance of the nose, narrowing of one nostril when looking in the mirror, or difficulty breathing through either nostril. If you experience persistent nasal congestion or impaired airflow, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.

Symptoms
A deviated septum often causes nasal congestion, inflamed tissues, and altered airflow. This can reduce the sense of smell and taste, and injury-related deviations may cause pain. Common symptoms include:

Runny nose

Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils

Postnasal drip

Congestion or nasal blockage

Snoring

Altered sense of smell or taste

Sinus or ear pain or pressure

Nosebleeds

Dryness in nasal passages

Diagnosis
Doctors typically use a nasal speculum to examine the septum's position and check for deviations. They may inquire about sleep issues, breathing problems, sinus infections, or snoring. Visiting an ENT specialist can provide a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment Options
Management depends on severity. Mild cases might only require symptom relief, while severe deviations may need surgical correction. Non-invasive methods include nasal strips, medications to reduce inflammation, and sinus rinses to clear mucus and allergens.

For significant deviations affecting breathing, septoplasty — a surgical procedure — is recommended. This operation straightens or removes parts of the septum to improve airflow. Additional procedures like rhinoplasty or cartilage grafting may be combined if necessary. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for cases with substantial functional impairment.