ENT · Ear, nose and throat

Deviated nasal septum

Understand a bent nasal septum, its assessment and the role of septoplasty.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

A deviated nasal septum is a bent wall of bone and cartilage between the two nasal passages.

One- or two-sided blockage, mouth breathing, disturbed sleep, crusting or nosebleeds may occur.

It may relate to development, be present from birth or follow a nose injury.

ENT assessment examines the nose and also looks for inflammation, polyps or enlarged turbinates.

Nasal examination is often enough; endoscopy or CT is used when another condition is suspected.

The anatomy remains stable, although congestion and inflammation can make symptoms fluctuate.

Nasal treatment may reduce associated inflammation; septoplasty straightens the septum when significant blockage persists.

Seek assessment if blockage persists, disturbs sleep or does not respond to medical treatment.

After injury, rapidly painful blockage, new deformity, uncontrolled bleeding or clear nasal fluid needs urgent advice.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.