Deviated Nasal Septum

“Deviated Nasal Septum”…it may be a new concept you haven’t heard much about or you may be a part of the roughly 80% of the population who has one. But what is it?

The nasal septum separates the left and right airways of your nose, dividing your nostrils. When your septum is crooked, off-center or “deviated,” it can cause a restriction of the airflow in one or both of your nasal passages.

Sometimes people with a deviated septum don’t even notice the condition. It often goes undetected for years before symptoms become bothersome. Sometimes, however, severe septal deviations can can trigger serious health concerns.

Here are 4 signs of a deviated nasal septum:

1. Difficulty Breathing Through Your Nose. One or both nostrils may be affected, but one side is usually worse than the other. Often, difficulty breathing leads to a preference of sleeping on a particular side, allowing for easier air passage through the nostril that isn’t narrowed. During sleep, you may breathe noisily due to swelling in the nasal tissues. In some cases, a deviated septum can interfere with how your sinuses work, which can lead to nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections.
2. Awareness of the Nasal Cycle. As you breathe normally, one of your nostrils is blocked and then the other nostril is blocked. This alternating function of the breathing process is referred to as the nasal cycle. The nasal cycle itself is completely normal and most people are not aware of it. However, if you find that you are aware of your breathing cycle, that could indicate the presence of an abnormal nasal obstruction or deviation.
3. Nosebleeds. If you have frequent nosebleeds, a deviated septum may be the culprit. With a deviated septum, the membranes in the unobstructed side of your nose are more exposed to the air. This can dry out the surface of your septum, which can lead to bleeding.
4. Facial Pain. Facial pain doesn’t always indicate a deviated nasal septum. In some cases, however, a severe deviation can impact your inside nasal wall. When this happens, you may feel pain on the side of the face with the narrowed nostril.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to call to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Price to discuss the simple, surgical solution for a deviated septum: (203) 453-6635.