Deviated Nasal Septum A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nostrils is displaced to one side. Your septum separates your right and left nasal cavities and ideally is situated equally in the center of your nose. In many people, the nasal septum is displaced, making one nasal passage smaller. A severe deviated septum can block one side of your nose and reduce airflow causing difficulty breathing, nosebleeds and other symptoms. Symptoms Most septal deformities result in no symptoms. Most people don’t even know they have a deviated septum. Some septal deformities may cause the following signs and symptoms:  Obstruction of one or both nostrils. This obstruction can make it difficult to breathe through the nostril or nostrils. This may be more noticeable when you have a cold (upper respiratory infection) or allergies that can cause your nasal passages to swell or narrow.  Nosebleeds. The surface of your nasal septum may become dry, increasing your risk of epistaxis.  Facial pain. You may experience pain if your nasal septum is coming into contact with the outside wall of your face.  Noisy breathing during sleep. This is more common in infants and young children with a deviated septum. A deviated septum can be caused two ways: 1. A condition present at birth. In some cases, a deviated septum occurs during fetal development and is present at birth. 2. Injury to the nose. A deviated septum can also be the result of an injury that causes the nasal septum to be knocked out of position. Infants can have such an injury during childbirth. Children and adults can have a wide array of accidents leading to an injury. Such as tripping on a step or colliding with another person. Trauma to the nose most commonly occurs during contact sports, active play or roughhousing, or automobile accidents. Managing symptoms Initial treatment of deviated septum may be directed at managing the symptoms of the condition, such as nasal congestion and postnasal drip. Your provider may prescribe:  Decongestants. Decongestants are medications that reduce nasal congestion, helping to keep the airways on both sides of your nose open. Decongestants are available as a pill or as a nasal spray. Decongestant nasal sprays are not recommended for more than 5 days.  Antihistamines. Antihistamines are medications that help prevent many cold and allergy symptoms, including runny nose. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness.  Nasal steroid sprays. Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays can reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and help prevent a runny nose. Medications are only a temporary fix and won’t correct a deviated septum. Surgical Repair (septoplasty) If you experience bothersome symptoms – such as significant airway obstruction, chronic sinusitis or frequent nosebleeds, you may consider surgery to correct a deviated septum (septoplasty). Septoplasty is the usual way to repair a deviated septum. Your nasal septum is repositioned in the center of your nose. This may require your surgeon to cut and remove parts of your septum before reinserting it in the proper position. The level of improvement you can expect with surgery depends on the severity of your deviation. Nosebleeds and nasal obstruction often completely resolve. However, any accompanying nasal or sinus conditions, such as allergies can’t be cure with surgery. Recommended to see your provider if you experience:  Frequent nosebleeds  Recurrent sinus infections  A blocked nostril that doesn’t respond to treatment