At Melbourne ENT, located in the heart of St Kilda East, Victoria, we are committed to providing exceptional care for a wide range of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. Our highly experienced surgeons, Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham, bring decades of ENT surgical expertise to the clinic.
We understand that issues like a deviated septum can have a profound impact on your day-to-day health, including how well you sleep, breathe, and engage in physical activity. With a compassionate, patient-first approach, we ensure that every individual receives a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment designed to address their unique concerns.
What is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum-the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity into two equal parts-is significantly off-centre or crooked. This displacement can reduce airflow through one or both nostrils, causing difficulty breathing and leading to chronic sinus or nasal issues.
While many people have some degree of septal deviation, severe deviations can block airflow, contributing to persistent nasal congestion, loud breathing, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections. The deviation may occur naturally during development or as a result of trauma or injury to the nose.
Causes of a Deviated Septum:
Some individuals are born with a deviated septum due to genetic factors or abnormal development in utero. Others may develop a deviated septum following injuries such as sports-related impacts, falls, or motor vehicle accidents. Over time, the natural aging process may also exacerbate the deviation due to changes in nasal cartilage and tissue. Even seemingly minor trauma earlier in life can lead to progressive worsening of septal deviation over the years.
Common Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum can produce a wide range of symptoms that affect both nasal function and overall quality of life. Many individuals report a feeling of one-sided nasal blockage that never resolves, despite using over-the-counter remedies. The congestion often leads to habitual mouth breathing, which can cause throat irritation and fatigue.
Repeated episodes of sinusitis may also develop due to poor drainage of the nasal sinuses, resulting in facial pain and pressure. Those with a deviated septum may also experience sleep disturbances due to difficulty breathing at night. This can result in snoring, chronic tiredness, irritability, and reduced concentration during the day.
Septoplasty Before and After
Who is Affected by a Deviated Septum?
People of all ages and backgrounds can suffer from a deviated septum. Infants and children may be born with the condition, which can worsen as they grow. Adolescents and young adults who participate in contact sports or experience nasal trauma are also at increased risk. In older adults, structural changes related to aging can contribute to more pronounced symptoms.
Individuals with a family history of nasal or sinus issues may have a higher likelihood of anatomical deviations. Additionally, people who suffer from environmental allergies, frequent colds, or chronic sinusitis may be more likely to notice the impact of a deviated septum, as inflammation can exacerbate the underlying structural blockage.
Diagnosis and Evaluation at Melbourne ENT
Our diagnostic process at Melbourne ENT begins with a comprehensive consultation. During your visit, our surgeons take a thorough medical history and inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any past injuries. A detailed physical examination of the nose is performed to evaluate the structure of the nasal septum and check for signs of obstruction.
Nasal endoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using a thin, lighted camera, allows for a close-up view of the nasal cavity and any abnormalities. If necessary, imaging tests such as a CT scan may be requested to provide a more complete picture of the nasal anatomy and to assess the health of the surrounding sinuses. This meticulous evaluation ensures we understand the full scope of the issue and can offer the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum
We approach the treatment of a deviated septum with a personalised plan based on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s individual needs. In cases where symptoms are mild or primarily related to nasal inflammation, we may first recommend a trial of medical therapy. This can include corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce swelling, antihistamines to manage allergic triggers, and saline rinses to keep the nasal passages clear and hydrated. While these treatments can alleviate symptoms temporarily, they do not correct the underlying structural problem.
For more pronounced cases, surgical intervention – specifically septoplasty – is often the most effective long-term solution. Septoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and involves reshaping or removing parts of the deviated septum to open the nasal airway. The surgery typically lasts under two hours and is conducted on a day-surgery basis. In some patients, septoplasty may be combined with turbinoplasty to address enlarged nasal turbinates or with rhinoplasty to improve nasal aesthetics and function simultaneously.
When is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is generally recommended when symptoms are persistent and significantly affect quality of life. If you’ve tried medications without lasting relief, or if your breathing difficulty interferes with sleep, physical activity, or work, surgical correction may be the best course of action. Surgery may also be advised if the deviated septum is contributing to chronic sinus infections, facial pain, or snoring that disrupts your or your partner’s sleep.
Patients who are considering cosmetic rhinoplasty may also opt for concurrent functional correction of the septum. At Melbourne ENT, your surgeon will guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring that your goals and expectations are fully addressed before proceeding.
Recovery and Prognosis
Following septoplasty, most patients report a dramatic improvement in nasal breathing and a reduction in related symptoms. The recovery period typically involves mild swelling and congestion for the first week, but discomfort is generally well managed with prescribed medications. Patients can usually return to work or school within 7 to 14 days, depending on the extent of the surgery, patients occupation and individual healing rates.
Full internal healing may take several months, during which time regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor progress. With proper care, the results of septoplasty are long-lasting, and the improvement in airflow and quality of life is often substantial.
Risks or Complications if Left Untreated
Leaving a deviated septum untreated can lead to a cascade of complications. Persistent nasal obstruction can force chronic mouth breathing, which dries the oral cavity and increases the risk of throat infections, gum disease, and dental decay. Inadequate sinus drainage may result in frequent or prolonged sinus infections that require repeated courses of antibiotics. Sleep can also be significantly disrupted, contributing to fatigue, mood disturbances, and reduced performance at work or school. Deviated septum can contribute to sleep apnoea and its associated morbidity. In children and adolescents, long-term breathing difficulties can impact facial development. For these reasons, early evaluation and treatment of a deviated septum is advisable to prevent long-term health issues.
FAQs About Deviated Septum
Can a deviated septum cause symptoms that change with the seasons or weather?
Yes, environmental changes such as humidity, cold air, or high pollen counts can worsen nasal obstruction in individuals with a deviated septum, often exacerbating existing symptoms like congestion and facial pressure.
Is it possible to have a deviated septum without realising it?
Yes, many people have a deviated septum without noticeable symptoms until they experience a triggering event like a cold, allergy flare-up, or nasal trauma that brings it to their attention.
How does a deviated septum affect athletic performance or exercise?
A restricted nasal passage can limit efficient airflow, which may reduce stamina or cause discomfort during physical exertion. Addressing the deviation can improve breathing ease and exercise performance.
Can a deviated septum make you more prone to infections in just one nostril?
Yes, the narrower nasal passage can trap mucus and bacteria more easily, which increases the likelihood of infections being localised to one side of the nose or sinuses.
Will fixing a deviated septum also improve my sense of smell?
Improved airflow post-surgery can enhance your ability to smell, especially if the deviation was obstructing the olfactory receptors in the upper nasal cavity.
Can a deviated septum worsen sleep disorders like sleep apnoea?
Yes, nasal obstruction may aggravate snoring and contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Septoplasty can complement other treatments for sleep apnoea by improving airflow.
Sources:
- The Comprehensive Review of Deviated Septum: Anatomy, Clinical Features, and Management – Annals of Otolaryngology and Rhinology
https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/download/57018/41191/172674 - Septoplasty versus Non-Surgical Management for Deviated Nasal Septum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39230606/ - The Benefits of Septoplasty for Patients with Deviated Nasal Septum and Allergic Rhinitis: A Meta-Analysis – Scientific Reports (Nature)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80377-3 - Deviated Nasal Septum: A Comprehensive Review – Disease-a-Month (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
https://journals.lww.com/dmms/fulltext/2024/19030/deviated_nasal_septum__a_comprehensive_review.6.aspx - The Efficiency of Septoplasty in Improving Nasal Symptoms Caused by Deviated Nasal Septum – International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
https://www.ijorl.com/index.php/ijorl/article/view/4583 - Clinical Evaluation of Septoplasty with and without Additional Nasal Procedures – International Surgery Journal
https://www.ijsurgery.com/index.php/isj/article/view/11177 - Postoperative Outcome of Deviated Nasal Septum and Its Effect on Nasal Symptoms – Indian Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
https://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms/article/view/15122
Concerned About a Deviated Septum?
Melbourne ENT is dedicated to helping you breathe easier and live better. Our experienced ENT surgeons offer clear, expert guidance every step of the way – from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Whether your symptoms are recent or long-standing, we invite you to take the first step toward improved nasal health and overall wellbeing.
Contact us at (03) 9038 1311
Book your consultation with Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT in St Kilda East. Let us help you take control of your symptoms and experience the benefits of clear, unobstructed breathing.
Further Reading
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Concerns
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Septoplasty
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Surgery
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Narrow Nostrils
- View Melbourne ENT’s Before and After Photos
