Signs and Symptoms To Look For

A deviated septum, or nasal septum deviation (NSD), is when the septum (the thin wall separating the two nasal passageways in the nose) is off-center. A deviated septum curves to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. 

As many as 80% of people have some degree of a deviated septum. People with a deviated septum may experience chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, sleep problems, headaches, facial pain, and nosebleeds.

A deviated septum narrows the nasal passageway, restricting airflow and making breathing through your nose difficult. Depending on the severity of the bend or curve, one or both nostrils may feel congested or stuffy, and you may feel a persistent need to blow your nose to try to clear them.

Congestion and restricted airflow through one or both nostrils may force you to breathe through your mouth, which can result in additional symptoms like dry mouth and sore throat. 

The nose acts as a natural filter by trapping dust, allergens, and other airborne particles in the mucus that lines the nasal passages. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia filter out these particles. This filtering process becomes less effective when a deviated septum obstructs one or both nasal passages.

A deviated septum can also obstruct the natural drainage of mucus. As a result, bacteria, viruses, and other irritants can accumulate in the nasal cavity and sinuses, increasing the risk of sinus infections.

Many people with a deviated septum experience recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis, leading to symptoms like facial pressure and post-nasal drip—where mucus runs down the back of the throat. 

A deviated septum can lead to one-sided facial pain, pressure, and tenderness when the sinuses (air-filled sacs that produce mucus) cannot effectively drain mucus into the nasal cavity and nose.

The mucus builds up in the sinuses, leading to pressure or tenderness on the cheeks or around the nose and eyes. This discomfort is similar to a sinus infection and may worsen when bending over or lying down.

A deviated septum can press against the tissue lining the nasal walls or turbinates (small structures inside the nose that help with airflow). This pressure can irritate the surrounding tissues and put pressure on nearby nerves, which may trigger headaches.

Headaches can also develop due to chronic sinus congestion, causing a dull or throbbing pain around the forehead and pressure that worsens when lying down.

Nosebleeds often occur in people with a deviated septum. When one nasal passage is smaller, uneven airflow can dry out the mucous membranes in the larger nostril. This dryness makes the tissues more fragile, and the delicate blood vessels inside the nose can become irritated or cracked.

Frequent nose-blowing or changes in temperature and humidity can also increase the risk of nosebleeds.

Nasal congestion and uneven airflow through the nasal passageways can contribute to snoring and sleep disturbances in people with a deviated septum. Airway obstruction when lying down causes the soft tissues in the nose and throat to vibrate when you breathe, leading to snoring.

A deviated septum can also cause or contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The septum’s misalignment can restrict airflow, causing pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. This disruption leads to poor sleep quality, excessive daytime fatigue, and an increased risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

A deviated septum can change your sense of smell and taste.

Your nasal cavity contains olfactory receptors, specialized nerve cells that detect odors and send signals to the brain to allow you to perceive smells. A misaligned septum can obstruct the function of these receptors, reducing your perception of smells. It may be harder to detect mild odors, and stronger scents may seem more subtle.

Smell and taste senses are interconnected, so a reduced sense of smell can also affect your sense of taste. Foods may taste bland, or you may have difficulty distinguishing between different flavors.

Children can also have a deviated septum that is either congenital (present from birth) or occurs due to a nose injury, such as a sports-related accident. While not all children with a deviated septum will develop symptoms, some may develop noticeable symptoms such as: 

• Breathing through the mouth 
• Frequent nasal congestion, particularly in one nostril
• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Recurring sinus infections or persistent runny nose
• Trouble sleeping
• Nosebleeds
• Reduced sense of smell or taste

A deviated septum can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have persistent or worsening symptoms. These include:

• Chronic nasal congestion, especially if it’s one-sided
• Recurring sinus infections
• Difficulty breathing through your nose 
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Mouth breathing or snoring at night 

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum is misaligned, causing symptoms like chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, snoring, mouth breathing, and headaches.

It can also affect your sense of smell and taste and may lead to sleep problems like obstructive sleep apnea. Seeing a healthcare provider for diagnosis can help you access proper treatment.