If you find yourself constantly battling a stuffy nose that doesn’t improve with typical treatments, a deviated septum could be the culprit. The septum is the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nostrils. If it’s off-center or crooked, it can obstruct airflow, leading to chronic congestion. You might not always feel completely blocked, but the air feels restricted, and you’re always clearing your nose. If this sounds familiar, it could be a sign that your septum is deviated.
A stuffy nose that doesn’t get better with common treatments could point to a structural issue.
You frequently struggle to breathe through one or both of your nostrils
One of the hallmark signs of a deviated septum is difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. If you notice that one side of your nose is consistently more congested than the other, or if you struggle to get enough air through your nose, it’s worth considering a septum issue. When the septum is deviated, it can block airflow, making it hard to breathe comfortably, especially when lying down. This can disrupt your daily activities or even affect your ability to sleep.
Breathing through your nose should feel easy. If it doesn’t, your septum might be out of place.
You have frequent sinus infections or pressure in your face
A deviated septum can contribute to sinus problems, such as recurrent sinus infections or sinus pressure. If the septum blocks airflow, it can prevent proper drainage of the sinuses. This can lead to a build-up of mucus, causing pain, pressure, and infection. If you’ve had multiple sinus infections in a short period or regularly experience sinus pressure, it could be due to a deviated septum blocking the normal airflow.
Sinus issues are more than just annoying—they could be a sign of a structural problem in your nose.
You’re snoring more than usual or have sleep disturbances
Snoring and sleep apnea are often linked to breathing difficulties, and a deviated septum could be the cause. When the septum blocks one side of your nose, you might end up breathing through your mouth during sleep. This can lead to snoring and even more serious sleep disturbances like sleep apnea. If you’re waking up feeling tired despite a full night’s sleep, or if your partner frequently complains about your snoring, a deviated septum may be to blame.
A deviated septum can lead to poor-quality sleep and tiredness during the day.
You suffer from frequent headaches or facial pain
Because a deviated septum can affect the nasal passages and sinuses, it can contribute to frequent headaches or facial pain. This discomfort can range from dull pressure to more severe, persistent headaches. The pressure and congestion in the sinuses caused by an obstructed septum may lead to these uncomfortable symptoms. If you notice frequent headaches that are accompanied by nasal congestion, it’s possible that your deviated septum is contributing to this pain.
Headaches that don’t seem to go away might have a simple cause—your deviated septum.
You have post-nasal drip or a constant sore throat
If your deviated septum is obstructing your airflow, it can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of your throat. This often causes a sore throat, irritation, or a feeling of something constantly stuck in your throat. It can also lead to coughing, especially at night when you’re lying down. The build-up of mucus from a blocked nose can easily drip down into the throat, causing discomfort.
Constant throat irritation could be related to nasal blockage—often caused by a deviated septum.
Your nose looks visibly crooked or misaligned
Sometimes, a deviated septum is obvious. If you have a visibly crooked nose or if one nostril appears smaller or more blocked than the other, the septum inside might be misaligned. A noticeable bend or asymmetry in the nose can indicate that the cartilage or bone inside is not in the correct position. While some people may not notice this at first, others might be self-conscious about the appearance of their nose.
A crooked nose can be a sign that the septum inside is out of place.
You have a history of nose trauma or injury
If you’ve experienced an injury to your nose—whether from a fall, an accident, or sports—there’s a chance that the impact has caused your septum to deviate. Even a minor injury can alter the shape of the septum and cause it to shift. If you’ve had trauma to the nose and now experience difficulty breathing or persistent congestion, this may be the result of a deviated septum caused by the injury.
If you’ve had a nasal injury and now notice breathing problems, your septum might have shifted.
How to confirm a deviated septum diagnosis
If you recognize any of these signs, it’s best to consult with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. They will perform a physical examination and may use imaging tests, such as a nasal endoscopy or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, the deviation is minor and doesn’t need treatment. However, for those with significant breathing issues, surgery such as septoplasty may be recommended to correct the misalignment and improve airflow.
A specialist will guide you through the diagnosis and offer treatment options based on the severity of the condition.