Overview
The nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides the two sides of the nose. When it is bent or off-centre — present from birth or after an injury — it can partly block one or both nostrils. Many people have a mildly deviated septum with no trouble. When it is significant it causes a persistently blocked nose, mouth-breathing, snoring and repeated sinus infections. Troublesome cases are corrected with a straightforward operation to straighten the septum.
Symptoms
- A blocked nose, often worse on one side
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Snoring and mouth-breathing, especially at night
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Nosebleeds and a dry nose in some people
When to see a doctor
See an ENT doctor if a blocked nose, mouth-breathing or repeated sinus infections affect your sleep or daily life.
Causes
A septum that developed off-centre before birth, or was bent by an injury to the nose.