A deviated septum is one of the most common — and most overlooked — reasons for chronic trouble breathing through the nose. Here are the signs it may be structural, and when it’s worth seeing a specialist.
Common signs of a deviated septum
Persistent congestion on one side, difficulty breathing through the nose (especially at night), recurring sinus infections, nosebleeds, or noisy breathing during sleep. If sprays and allergy medicine never fully fix it, the cause is often structural rather than allergic.
Why it happens
The septum — the wall of cartilage and bone between the nostrils — can be crooked from birth or shifted by a past injury, blocking one or both airways.
When to see a specialist
If nasal obstruction has lasted more than a few weeks and hasn’t responded to medication, an ENT and facial plastic surgeon can examine your airway and identify the true cause. As a double board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Zandifar treats the nose as both an airway and a feature.
How it’s treated
A deviated septum is corrected with septoplasty — performed inside the nose, with no change to appearance. When breathing and appearance are both concerns, it can be combined with rhinoplasty in a single procedure. Learn more about repairing a deviated septum.
Educational only — not medical advice. A consultation confirms the cause and the right treatment.
