Deviated Nasal Septum

Overview

A Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. In India, this is an incredibly common condition, often caused by birth development or minor injuries during sports or everyday life. When the deviation is severe, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow, leading to chronic breathing difficulties, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Many people in Sangareddy live with this discomfort for years, mistaking it for permanent allergies or a 'sensitive' nose. At Sanjeevi Hospital, we believe that breathing clearly is fundamental to your overall health. Addressing a deviated septum doesn't just improve your airflow; it can enhance your quality of sleep, reduce the frequency of sinus infections, and give you more energy throughout the day. Our ENT specialists use gentle, modern techniques to restore balance to your nasal structure, ensuring you can breathe freely and live more comfortably.

Symptoms to watch for

• Obstruction of one or both nostrils making it hard to breathe through the nose.
• Frequent or recurring nosebleeds due to the surface of the septum becoming dry.
• Facial pain or localized headaches, often near the bridge of the nose.
• Noisy breathing during sleep or loud snoring that disturbs rest.
• A tendency to sleep on a particular side to optimize breathing at night.
• Awareness of the nasal cycle, where the blockage seems to shift sides.
• Chronic sinus infections or a persistent feeling of 'stuffiness' in the face.
• Reduced sense of smell or taste due to restricted airflow.
• Post-nasal drip that leads to a persistent cough or throat irritation.

Causes & risk factors

• A condition present at birth (congenital) that occurred during fetal development.
• Injury to the nose during a difficult childbirth process.
• Trauma to the face from contact sports like cricket, football, or kabaddi.
• Accidental falls during childhood that may have displaced the soft cartilage.
• Road traffic accidents causing fractures to the nasal bridge or internal structure.
• Age-related changes where the nasal structures undergo shifts or weakening.
• Previous nasal surgeries that may have altered the septum's alignment.
• Inflammation from chronic rhinitis that exacerbates the appearance of a deviation.

Diagnosis

• A detailed discussion of your medical history and nasal symptoms.
• Physical examination of the external nose for any visible signs of trauma.
• Nasal Endoscopy using a thin, lighted tube to see deep inside the nasal passages.
• Anterior Rhinoscopy where the doctor uses a speculum to gently widen the nostrils.
• CT Scan of the paranasal sinuses to map the exact degree of the deviation.
• Review of allergy history to rule out mucosal swelling as the primary cause.
• Assessment of the nasal valve to check for any collapse during deep breathing.

Treatment options

Prevention & self-care

• Wear protective helmets or face guards when playing contact sports.
• Always wear a seatbelt when traveling in a car to prevent facial impact in accidents.
• Avoid picking your nose or inserting foreign objects, especially in children.
• Manage nasal allergies effectively to prevent chronic swelling and irritation.
• Use a humidifier in dry weather to keep the nasal membranes from cracking.
• Treat nasal infections promptly to avoid long-term inflammation of the septum.
• Practice safe physical activities and avoid high-impact play in crowded areas.
• Consult an ENT specialist immediately after any nasal injury to check for displacement.