A deviated septum is when the nasal septum (the bone and cartilage dividing the nasal cavity) is off center or crooked, which can make breathing through the nose difficult. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, often worse on one side, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, facial pain, headaches, noisy breathing or snoring during sleep, and a preference for sleeping on one side to ease breathing. Some people may have a visibly crooked nose or uneven nostrils. A simple self- test for uneven or difficult breathing on one side can also suggest a deviated septum. However, proper diagnosis typically requires a medical examination by a doctor using an instrument to look inside the nose.
How to identify a deviated septum
- Uneven nasal breathing or difficulty breathing through one nostril
- Frequent nosebleeds or dry nasal passages
- Frequent sinus infections or postnasal drip
- Facial pain or headaches
- Noisy breathing or snoring during sleep
- Visible crookedness of the nose or uneven nostrils
- Preference for sleeping on one side due to breathing difficulties
When to see a doctor
If breathing issues persist, or symptoms like nosebleeds and sinus infections are frequent, it’s best to visit a healthcare provider or ENT specialist for confirmation and potential treatment options. They may use a nasal endoscope or speculum to examine the nasal septum and assess its impact on airflow.
Simple self-test at home
Try breathing through each nostril separately by closing one nostril at a time. If breathing is much harder on one side, this may indicate a deviated septum, but professional diagnosis is recommended for confirmation.
