​Deviated Nasal Septum

The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage between your nostrils dividing the nasal cavity in two halves. As the name implies, in people with a ‘deviated’ nasal septum, the division of the nasal cavity is not uniform as the septum is significantly off-centre or crooked. Thus, the displaced septum affects the shape of your nasal cavities, and can block one side of your nose, which reduces airflow and affects breathing. 

Ideally, the nasal septum should be exactly midline so that both the left and right nasal passages are of the same size. However, it is estimated that approximately 80% of the people have misaligned nasal septum, mostly unknowingly. 

It is when the nasal septum is severely misaligned that complications with breathing arise. Nasal obstruction can also occur in the affected nasal passage due to inflammation of nasal tissues, which requires immediate medical attention. The displaced septum also affects the drainage of mucus from the sinuses, leading to recurring sinus infections.

Trauma or injury to the nose can displace the nasal septum, leading to this disorder. In other cases, a deviated nasal septum is a congenital disorder, which means some people may be born with a misaligned nasal septum or it may be the result of birth trauma.​

When to seek expert advice

Many people have a deviated nasal septum without experiencing any symptoms. However, if it causes persistent or troublesome symptoms, you should consult an ENT specialist at the Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

You should seek medical advice if you frequently have difficulty breathing through your nose, experience repeated sinus infections or persistent nasal congestion, or have difficulty breathing while sleeping. A deviated nasal septum that affects your breathing or daily life should not be ignored, as appropriate treatment may help improve your symptoms and quality of life.