How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 20, 2025
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Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, primarily caused by congenital factors related to individual development. It can also be caused by trauma or fractures of the nasal septum. In terms of treatment, it's first important to assess the degree of deviation. If the deviation is minor and presents no significant clinical symptoms, often no special treatment is needed, and regular observation and check-ups suffice. However, if the deviation is notable and accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and dizziness, surgery may be required. Currently, the main surgical approach is endoscopic septoplasty, a common minimally invasive procedure that generally provides definitive results. Post-surgery, regular check-ups are necessary to monitor recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, primarily caused by congenital factors related to individual development. It can also be caused by trauma or fractures of the nasal septum. In terms of treatment, it's first important to assess the degree of deviation. If the deviation is minor and presents no significant clinical symptoms, often no special treatment is needed, and regular observation and check-ups suffice. However, if the deviation is notable and accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and dizziness, surgery may be required. Currently, the main surgical approach is endoscopic septoplasty, a common minimally invasive procedure that generally provides definitive results. Post-surgery, regular check-ups are necessary to monitor recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Can acupuncture be used for a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common ENT disorder. It is not recommended to treat it with acupuncture, as it is difficult to correct the deviated septum through acupuncture. If the deviation of the nasal septum is mild and there are no related clinical symptoms, there is no need for treatment. If the nasal septum deviation is severe and accompanied by related clinical manifestations such as nasal congestion, headache, and nasal bleeding, it may be necessary to consider performing a nasal endoscopy for septum deviation correction surgery. Generally speaking, the surgical outcome is quite good, but it still requires regular postoperative follow-up to observe the recovery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What medicine to take for a deviated septum?

Nasal septal deviation is a structural abnormality, primarily involving the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum leaning towards one side of the nasal cavity. Clinically, this may result in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Generally, these symptoms alone, simply due to the deviated septum, do not require any medication for treatment. However, if the symptoms caused by the deviated septum are severe, we can use some medications, such as drugs for treating rhinitis, including traditional Chinese medicine formulas like Rhino Clear Granules, and also some vitamins to enhance the quality of the nasal mucosa. The fragility of the nasal mucosa can lead to nosebleeds. Of course, a more important treatment is surgical correction of the deviated septum.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does a deviated nasal septum affect breathing?

A deviated nasal septum can potentially impact normal breathing, depending primarily on the severity and specific location of the deviation. If the deviation is mild and does not affect the ventilation of the nasal cavity, it will not impact normal breathing. However, if the nasal septum deviation is more pronounced, especially if it occurs in the middle, or affects the middle or front sections of the nasal cavity, it can interfere with normal airflow and lead to nasal congestion, which may affect breathing. In cases where nasal obstruction is significant and the septum deviation is severe, it is generally considered necessary to perform a septoplasty under endoscopy. After surgery, most patients can achieve effective relief and recovery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation refers to the condition where the cartilaginous and bony tissue of the nasal septum leans to one side, affecting one or both nasal cavities. Clinically, it primarily presents as nasal congestion. This congestion is unilateral and persistent, or it can be persistent on both sides. Additionally, nosebleeds occur because the mucous membrane on the deviated side is very thin, making it susceptible to bleeding due to friction from the airflow during breathing. Furthermore, the deviated nasal septum can irritate the turbinates, leading to nerve reflex pain and resulting in headaches. Thus, the main symptoms of nasal septum deviation include the ones listed above.