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Jonathan Hughes | Hemel Hempstead

Diagnosis and Treatment for Deviated Nasal Septum in London

The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two passages. Ideally, it should sit in the centre, creating equal airflow through both nostrils. In many people, however, the septum is slightly off-centre. When the deviation is more severe, it can cause one side of the nose to be narrower, leading to difficulty breathing, congestion, or other nasal problems. A deviated septum can be present from birth, develop during growth, or result from an injury to the nose.

Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum

The most common symptom is persistent nasal blockage, often worse on one side. This may lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, particularly at night, and can contribute to snoring or sleep disturbance. Other symptoms include frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, post-nasal drip, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell. In some cases, the problem may be cosmetic too, especially if the nose has been injured and appears crooked.

Treatment Options

Mild cases may not need treatment if symptoms are minimal. Nasal sprays and medications can sometimes relieve congestion, but they do not correct the septum itself. For patients with significant obstruction or ongoing problems, surgery called septoplasty is often recommended. This procedure straightens the septum by removing or repositioning the parts causing the blockage, improving airflow through the nose. Septoplasty is carried out inside the nose without external scars and is often combined with other procedures, such as turbinate reduction, if needed. An ENT specialist can assess the severity of the deviation, usually with a nasal endoscopy, and discuss whether surgery would be beneficial.

If you’re struggling with a deviated septum, get in touch with your ENT specialist in London to book a consultation today!
020 3897 0667

Is a deviated septum common?
Very. Hardly anyone has a perfectly straight septum, and a slight lean to one side is completely normal and usually causes no problems at all. A septum can become more deviated as it develops as you grow, or after a knock or injury to the nose.

Can a deviated septum cause sinus infections?
Yes. When the septum narrows one side of the nose, it can interfere with the normal airflow and drainage the sinuses rely on. That makes it easier for mucus to build up and for infections to take hold, which is why some people with a deviated septum get recurrent sinus problems, post-nasal drip, or a persistently stuffy feeling on one side.

Do nasal sprays fix a deviated septum?
No, and this is an important distinction. Steroid nasal sprays and saline rinses can calm the swelling in the nasal lining and make breathing feel easier, so they are well worth trying for the symptoms. What they cannot do is move cartilage and bone, so they will not straighten the septum itself. If the blockage is coming from the shape of the septum, surgery is the only way to correct it permanently.

What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is the operation that straightens a deviated septum. It is carried out entirely inside the nose, so there are no external cuts or visible scars, and the surgeon removes or repositions the parts of the cartilage and bone causing the blockage to open up the airway. It usually takes under an hour, is done as a day case, and is often combined with a turbinate reduction if enlarged turbinates are also crowding the nose.

When should I see a specialist?
It is worth booking an assessment if you have persistent nasal obstruction, breathing that is noticeably worse on one side, repeated sinus infections, or blocked breathing that disturbs your sleep, particularly if sprays have not helped. A specialist can examine the inside of your nose, usually with a quick nasal endoscopy, and tell you whether the septum is the cause and whether septoplasty would help. A one-sided blockage with any blood-stained discharge should always be checked promptly.