Does a deviated nasal septum affect breathing?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 27, 2025
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to correct a deviated nasal septum?

Currently, the correction of a deviated nasal septum is mainly done through surgery. However, for some patients, if the deviation is mild and without symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. Surgery for deviated nasal septum is considered only if the deviation is severe and accompanied by significant clinical symptoms. Presently, minimally invasive surgery under endoscopy, which may involve partial removal of cartilage or septal cartilage reshaping, is a common procedure in otolaryngology. The results are generally reliable and, although there are risks, they are not considered excessively high. Typically, tertiary hospitals with an otolaryngology department can perform this surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum cause rhinitis?

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone tissues of the nasal septum are skewed towards one side of the nasal cavity. This structural deviation can lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches. If these symptoms are not present, it might be that the septum is deviated but not severely so. However, if these symptoms do appear, then it is necessary to address the deviated septum. There is an inevitable connection between a deviated septum and rhinitis, meaning a deviated septum will certainly lead to rhinitis. Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, the presence of a deviated septum will definitely cause rhinitis. Thus, actively treating a deviated septum greatly aids in the recovery from rhinitis.

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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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be corrected?

Deviations in the nasal septum can be corrected through endoscopic septoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope. The aim of the surgery is to remove or correct the deviated part of the nasal septum's cartilage or bone, achieving proper alignment. Some cases of nasal septum deviation may also involve the formation of spurs, so there is a possibility of damaging the mucosa of the nasal septum during the surgery. This could result in complications such as a septal perforation or a tear in the mucosa on one side of the nose. In such cases, repositioning the mucosa or repairing the perforation generally yields good results in correcting the deviation and restoring normal nasal function.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be cured?

A deviated nasal septum can be treated. Firstly, it is necessary to examine the degree of deviation and the clinical symptoms. If it is a simple deviation with mild severity and no related clinical symptoms, this condition generally does not require special treatment and regular follow-ups are sufficient. However, if the deviation is severe and accompanied by corresponding clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds, surgery may be considered to correct the deviation. Generally, after surgical correction, the deviated nasal septum can be cured.