What Causes a Deviated Septum?

If you’ve been dealing with chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, or frequent sinus infections, you might be wondering: What is a deviated septum—and could it be the cause of your symptoms?

A deviated septum is a common condition that can significantly affect your breathing, sleep quality, and overall nasal health. Understanding what causes a deviated septum—and when it requires treatment—can help you breathe easier and feel better every day.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your left and right nostrils. In an ideal nose, the septum is centered. But in many people, it’s slightly off-center—or significantly shifted. This condition is called a deviated septum.

When the septum is crooked or displaced, it can block airflow, making it harder to breathe through one or both sides of the nose. In more severe cases, it can also lead to symptoms like snoring, recurrent sinus infections, post-nasal drip, and facial pressure.

“Many patients ask me, what does a deviated septum look like?,” explains Dr. Shawn Allen, a renowned sinus specialist known as “Snot Doc TX” on social media. “The truth is, it can be hard to spot from the outside. A definitive diagnosis typically requires an exam by an ENT specialist, who can assess the alignment of your septum and the extent of the deviation.”

 

Common Causes of a Deviated Septum

There are a few different reasons why your septum may become deviated. Some people are born with it, while others develop it over time due to injury or natural growth patterns.

Born with It (Congenital Causes)

Many people are born with a slightly deviated septum. This can happen during fetal development or as part of the natural variation in skull shape. As you grow, the septum may continue to shift, and symptoms may worsen in adulthood—especially if other nasal issues like allergies or sinusitis are present.

Injury or Trauma

Trauma is one of the most common causes of a more severe septal deviation. A fall, sports injury, or car accident can push the septum out of place. Sometimes, people don’t realize an injury occurred until years later, when they begin experiencing breathing difficulties or frequent sinus infections.

Natural Growth Changes

During childhood and adolescence, the face and nasal structures continue to grow. In some people, this growth happens unevenly, which can cause the septum to bow or curve. Small bone spurs may also develop along the septum, narrowing the nasal passages even further.

 

When Does a Deviated Septum Require Treatment?

Not all deviations are problematic. In fact, many people have a mildly deviated septum and experience no symptoms at all. However, moderate to severe deviations can cause long-term issues like:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Frequent sinus infections
• Snoring or disrupted sleep
• Headaches and facial pressure
• Reduced airflow through one or both nostrils

If you’re wondering how to fix a deviated septum without surgery, there are some short-term solutions, but they won’t correct the underlying structure. For lasting relief, especially in severe cases, deviated septum surgery may be recommended.

 

How Is a Deviated Septum Treated?

Non-Surgical Relief options

In milder cases, symptoms of a deviated septum can often be managed without surgery. Treatment options may include:

• Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation
• Antihistamines for allergies that worsen symptoms
• Decongestants to ease nasal blockage
• Nasal rinses to keep airways clear

These treatments can improve comfort temporarily, but they won’t realign the septum itself.

Septoplasty – A Permanent Solution

For those seeking a long-term solution, septoplasty is the most effective treatment. This outpatient procedure straightens the nasal septum to restore normal airflow and improve nasal function.

• This surgical procedure is performed through the nostrils (no external scars) to reposition or remove the parts of the septum causing the blockage.
• Recovery for septoplasty is typically quick—most patients return to normal activities within a week.
• Benefits include fewer sinus infections, improved breathing, better sleep, and a higher quality of life.

Curious about what to expect? Browse through some of our patient testimonials videos to see the difference this procedure can make.

 

Take the First Step to Easier Breathing

“If you’re constantly dealing with nasal congestion, sinus pressure, or breathing through your mouth, a deviated nasal septum could be the root cause,” says Dr. Allen. “The good news is that there are effective treatments that can truly transform your quality of life.”

Dr. Shawn Allen at My Houston Surgeons specializes in deviated septum treatments, including advanced, minimally invasive deviated septum surgery options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re exploring surgical correction or want to know more about how to fix a deviated septum without surgery, he can guide you to the right solution.

Request a consultation today and take the first step toward clear, comfortable breathing.