Deviated septum

Overview

The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage between the nostrils. Most people's is a little off-center.

A larger shift can block one side, causing stuffiness, snoring, nosebleeds, or sinus infections.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Stuffy on one side
• One side of the nose always blocked

Less common

• Snoring

When to get medical care

Causes

Birth or injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician looks in the nose.

Treatment

Ease stuffiness.

Self-care

• Saline rinses
• Nasal strips

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Septoplasty.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Wear protective gear in sports

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• After a nose injury: Can get worse.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Fixable.

Septoplasty improves breathing for most people.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Would surgery help my breathing?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Deviated septum