What is a deviated nasal septum? Causes, symptoms and home remedies to stop facial pain

One of the most common symptoms of a deviated nasal septum is obstruction of airflow. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

• A deviated nasal septum causes nasal blockage, breathing issues, and facial pain
• Dryness and turbulent airflow from DNS can lead to recurrent nosebleeds
• Mild DNS may be managed at home, but severe cases need septoplasty surgery

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A deviated nasal septum (DNS) refers to a condition where the thin wall that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils gets displaced to one side. Such deviation may be present since the birth of the affected person, or may be acquired because of trauma.

Abnormal development of the baby in the mother’s womb can lead to a deviated nasal septum. Other causes include injury to the nose, which may be due to accidents or may occur while one is playing a sport. Even a minor trauma to the nose during childhood days may worsen over time, thus leading to DNS.

One of the most common symptoms of a deviated nasal septum is the obstruction of airflow. The person experiences a feeling of nasal blockage, and has difficulty while breathing. Breathing through one nostril may become inconvenient. Such obstruction can worsen when one catches a cold, or has allergies, as they lead to thickening of the mucosa. This may lead to a significant effect on the sleep cycle and exercise tolerance, and overall affects the quality of life.

A deviated nasal septum also causes facial pain and headaches, and pain around the eyes and the face is quite common.

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As the airflow is obstructed, it causes dryness in the nostrils, which is a predisposing factor for nasal bleeds (called epistaxis). Turbulent airflow causes mucosal irritation and fragility of the blood vessels, which leads to spontaneous and recurrent nosebleeds. These are often seen during dry weathers or winters.

Disturbed sleep and snoring are other clinical features of this condition. The diagnosis is made clinically, and rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy can aid in visualising the deviation, and checking for the presence of any spurs.

Home remedies like regular saline irrigation can aid in clearing mucus and reducing congestion. Using humidifiers may help in preventing dryness of the nasal mucosa, which can help reduce the incidence of nosebleeds. Avoiding allergens and pollutants, and ceasing smoking, are also recommended.

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While mild cases may be treated symptomatically, severe cases require a surgical intervention. A procedure known as septoplasty is the definitive treatment for a deviated nasal septum.

FAQs on deviated nasal septum:

Q1. What is a deviated nasal septum?

A deviated nasal septum occurs when the thin wall between the two nostrils is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller.

Q2. What causes a deviated nasal septum?

It can be present from birth or develop due to nasal injury, trauma or accidents.

Q3. What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms include nasal blockage, difficulty breathing through one nostril, frequent sinus infections, snoring, nosebleeds and facial pain.

Q4. Can a deviated septum cause breathing problems?

Yes. A severe deviation can restrict airflow and lead to chronic breathing difficulties.

Q5. Does a deviated nasal septum cause sinus infections?

Yes. Poor drainage due to obstruction can increase the risk of sinus infections.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.