What Are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/carolinapinesent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-1055229020-1280x888.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe perfect nasal septum divides the left and right nostrils evenly, but this is pretty rare; it\u2019s estimated that about 80 percent<\/a> of the population has a septum that is off-center to some extent. Usually, the deviation is slight and goes unnoticed; only the worst cases produce symptoms that affect breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSymptoms include nasal congestion (often limited to one side of the nose), frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections<\/a>, facial pain and pressure, headaches, postnasal drip, and noisy breathing or snoring<\/a> during sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Is a Deviated Septum Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If the deviated septum isn\u2019t too severe, symptoms may respond to treatment with medications. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays<\/a> can reduce congestion and inflammation in some patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen medicines are ineffective, a surgical procedure known as a septoplasty may be necessary to reposition a crooked septum and improve breathing. This involves removing excess bone or cartilage in order to create a larger breathing space, and is typically performed in an outpatient setting using local or general anesthesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A rhinoplasty \u2013 surgery to reshape the nose \u2013 is often performed at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to prevent a deviated septum, protect your nose from injury whenever possible. Wear a helmet or facial protection when playing sports and never ride in a motor vehicle without wearing a seatbelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe perfect nasal septum divides the left and right nostrils evenly, but this is pretty rare; it\u2019s estimated that about 80 percent<\/a> of the population has a septum that is off-center to some extent. Usually, the deviation is slight and goes unnoticed; only the worst cases produce symptoms that affect breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms include nasal congestion (often limited to one side of the nose), frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections<\/a>, facial pain and pressure, headaches, postnasal drip, and noisy breathing or snoring<\/a> during sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the deviated septum isn\u2019t too severe, symptoms may respond to treatment with medications. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays<\/a> can reduce congestion and inflammation in some patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When medicines are ineffective, a surgical procedure known as a septoplasty may be necessary to reposition a crooked septum and improve breathing. This involves removing excess bone or cartilage in order to create a larger breathing space, and is typically performed in an outpatient setting using local or general anesthesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A rhinoplasty \u2013 surgery to reshape the nose \u2013 is often performed at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to prevent a deviated septum, protect your nose from injury whenever possible. Wear a helmet or facial protection when playing sports and never ride in a motor vehicle without wearing a seatbelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Is a Deviated Septum Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n