The nasal septum is the structure located in the middle of the nose that divides the nasal cavity into two passages. The front part is mostly cartilage, while the back part is made of bone. Ideally, both nasal passages should have a similar width; however, this is not the case for many people.
Sometimes, the nasal passages become uneven due to a bend or shift in the septum-this condition is known as septal deviation (deviated septum). If the deviation is mild, it may not cause noticeable complaints. But when the deviation is more pronounced, it can lead to significant symptoms such as nasal blockage, persistent congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
When the septum is deviated partially or completely, nasal airflow can become restricted. In more severe cases, patients may rely heavily on mouth breathing, especially at night. In simple terms, the greater the deviation, the more likely it is to cause breathing problems.
This can affect overall health and comfort-not just appearance. Severe septal deviation may contribute to headaches, reduce sleep quality, and result in fatigue during the day. For this reason, deviated septum issues are considered a functional problem as well as an aesthetic concern in some patients.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum may develop during early life or later due to trauma. In some babies, deviation can occur during the formation of cartilage and bone, meaning it may be congenital (present from birth). It can also occur during delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal.
In childhood, nasal injuries and impacts can also lead to septal deviation. In many cases, these early injuries do not cause obvious symptoms at first. Later, as the nasal cartilage and bone develop and grow, the deviation may become more noticeable. That is why many people first realize they have a deviated septum during adulthood.
What Problems Can Septal Deviation Cause?
The severity of symptoms depends strongly on the degree of deviation. Common issues associated with deviated septum include:
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Breathing problems, due to reduced airflow through the nasal passages
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Bad breath, often related to chronic mouth breathing
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Dry mouth, especially during sleep
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Long-term imbalance in nasal vs. mouth breathing may contribute to respiratory discomfort over time
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Snoring and disturbed sleep
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Waking up with morning headaches and fatigue
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Middle ear infections and sinus-related issues
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Recurrent sinusitis, pharyngitis, or bronchitis in some cases
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Changes in voice quality (commonly described as "nasal speech")
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Intermittent facial pain or pressure
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Frequent post-nasal drip (nasal discharge into the throat)
As emphasized, the degree of discomfort and frequency of these complaints usually correlates with how severe the deviation is.
How Is Septal Deviation Treated?
The only definitive method to correct nasal septum deviation is surgery. Therefore, the most accurate answer to "How is septal deviation treated?" is septoplasty (deviated septum surgery).
Many patients feel anxious about surgery; however, septoplasty is a commonly performed procedure and can often resolve the problem effectively with a relatively straightforward surgical approach.
To be eligible for this procedure, patients should not be in the pregnancy or breastfeeding period, and there should be no medical condition that prevents surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health and nasal structure before recommending treatment.
How Is Deviated Septum Diagnosed?
In most cases, diagnosis is made when patients visit the clinic due to symptoms such as nasal obstruction, chronic congestion, or sleep-related breathing problems.
As the deviation becomes more severe, complaints usually increase. If additional issues exist-such as enlarged turbinates (nasal concha swelling) or chronic sinus problems-your doctor may request further tests.
Depending on the case, evaluation may include:
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Physical nasal examination
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Imaging such as X-ray or CT scan (tomography)
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Additional laboratory testing in selected cases
Often, diagnosis can be made through examination alone. In some individuals, deviation may even be visible externally, making the assessment even more straightforward.
A deviated nasal septum (septal deviation) can only be corrected through surgical treatment. Non-surgical methods cannot straighten the bone or cartilage structure that causes the deviation. To clarify the most frequently asked questions about the procedure, the deviated septum surgery process generally includes the following steps:
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Deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) is usually performed under general anesthesia.
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It may also be done with local anesthesia, but in most cases general anesthesia is preferred for better patient comfort and safety.
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The duration of the operation varies from patient to patient; however, it is typically completed within 30 to 45 minutes.
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The incision is made inside the nose, meaning there is generally no visible external scar.
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Through this incision, the surgeon reaches the structures blocking the nasal airway and removes or reshapes the parts of bone causing nasal obstruction.
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If there is also a deviation in the cartilage, the cartilage is carefully corrected and repositioned.
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During the same procedure, the nasal turbinates (concha) are also evaluated. If turbinate swelling is contributing to congestion, turbinate reduction may be performed.
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After the airway is opened, nasal packing (tampon) may be placed.
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Modern septoplasty procedures use silicone, ventilated (perforated) nasal packs, so the postoperative experience is generally more comfortable than older packing methods.
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Finally, the incision is closed with stitches, and the operation is completed.
Patients often want detailed information about what to expect after surgery. This is especially true for nasal surgeries, where the healing and recovery process is a common concern. Below are the key points to know about septoplasty recovery and postoperative care:
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After deviated septum surgery, patients may stay in the clinic for one day for observation and rest.
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Until discharge, cold compress applications may be performed to reduce swelling and prevent excessive edema.
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Approximately 6 hours after surgery, patients may start drinking small amounts of water. If there is no nausea, light food intake may also be allowed.
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In most cases, discharge is completed one day after surgery.
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After returning home, it is important to get adequate rest for a short period.
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Mild bleeding or light nasal leakage may occur after surgery and is generally considered normal. However, if bleeding becomes heavy or persistent, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.
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During rest at home, keeping the head elevated is very important. Patients are usually advised to sleep with two pillows to keep the head higher than the body. If the head is not elevated, nasal bleeding may become more likely.
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It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before taking a shower. While washing the hair, the head should be tilted backwards. Bending the head forward during hair washing may increase the risk of bleeding.
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The silicone nasal packing (nasal tampon) is removed after a certain period, and removal is typically comfortable without major problems.
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All medications prescribed by the doctor (e.g., pain relievers, antibiotics, nasal sprays) should be used regularly and exactly as directed.
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Patients should avoid wearing glasses for about 2 months, as pressure on the nasal structure can affect healing.
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For approximately one month, heavy exercise and activities that strain the body should be avoided.
If you suffer from nasal septum deviation and chronic nasal congestion, this condition can often be resolved with a relatively straightforward procedure. To benefit from septoplasty in Tekirdağ (near Istanbul) and breathe more comfortably again, you can request an appointment. For further questions, feel free to contact our clinic.
