A deviated septum, a common condition where the nasal septum is off-center or crooked, can lead to various nasal issues, impacting breathing and overall nasal function. At NJ ENT, our team of specialized Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive and informative care for individuals dealing with a deviated septum.
Understanding Deviated Septums
This can cause a variety of symptoms such as blocked sinuses, difficulty breathing through your nose, snoring and sleep apnea. It can also lead to frequent nosebleeds and chronic sinus infections. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional evaluation is essential.
Deviated Septum Symptoms
Deviated septum symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of their condition. Common deviated septum symptoms include difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent sinus infections, and nasal congestion or blockage. In some cases, a deviated nasal septum can also lead to snoring and sleep apnea. Those with a deviated nasal septum may also experience frequent nosebleeds as well as facial pain or headaches due to pressure in the sinuses. If you’re experiencing any of these deviated septum symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment here at NJ ENT to review possible treatments that can help improve your quality of life. The sooner deviated septum is identified and treated appropriately, the easier it is to manage.
Deviated Septum Diagnosis
A deviated nasal septum can be difficult to diagnose without a physical examination. Your doctor may use a lighted instrument called an endoscope to look inside your nose and check for any visible signs of deviated septum. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Once a deviated septum has been diagnosed, NJ ENT can recommend treatment options that best fit your needs and lifestyle. If you’re having difficulty breathing through your nose or experiencing any other deviated nasal septum symptoms, talk to your doctor about possible diagnosis and treatment options today. Early intervention can help improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with deviated septum.
Deviated Nasal Septum Causes
Unfortunately, deviated septum cannot be prevented as it is often caused by trauma or genetics. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing deviated septum symptoms. Deviated septum is caused by a number of factors, such as birth defects, trauma or an injury to the nose.
Treatment of Deviated Nasal Septum
Treatment for a deviated nasal septum does not necessarily involve surgery. If there are symptoms of a deviated septum, nasal sprays or allergy therapy may be enough to decrease swelling resulting in a sufficient airway. However, if there is persistent obstruction despite conservative therapy, septoplasty surgery is often a great option.
Septoplasty Surgery
With septoplasty surgery, the deviated portion of the septum is removed or realigned to restore normal breathing patterns. In some cases, other treatments may be recommended in conjunction with deviated septum surgery to help relieve symptoms and improve airway function. The potential benefits of deviated septum surgery depend on the severity of your condition, as well as other factors such as age and overall health. If you’re considering deviated septum surgery, consult with your doctor to discuss your options and determine if it’s right for you. For patients unhappy with the appearance of their nose, septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty to improve both breathing and appearance in one procedure.
Non-Surgical Options
For mild to moderate cases, non-surgical interventions may be explored. These can include nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, and saline nasal irrigation to manage symptoms and improve nasal breathing.
Why Choose NJ ENT For Your ENT Needs?
Meet Dr. Reddy and Dr. Smith–
Board-Certified Otolaryngologists, ENT, Rhinology & Sinus Specialists
Specializing in the medical and surgical management of various diseases of the head and neck including nose and sinus disorders, ear conditions, throat and voice conditions, sleep conditions, and allergies. Meet your award winning and trusted ENT doctors in Marlton, New Jersey
How We Can Help
At NJ ENT, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. Our specialists take the time to educate you about your deviated septum, the available treatment options, and what to expect during and after treatment. The NJ ENT team has performed thousands of procedures and has the experience to provide you with exceptional care. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Our doctors are experts in their field specializing in nose and sinus disorders and the procedures and surgeries that can offer relief from those symptoms.
After suffering from migraines for over 50 years, this patient finally found lasting relief with surgery performed at NJ ENT. A deviated septum and nasal polyps were discovered during evaluation — and just weeks after surgery, her migraines were gone. Watch her story to see how choosing the right ENT can make a life-changing difference.
Deviated Septum FAQs
In many cases, yes — mild symptoms can be managed with nasal sprays, decongestants, or allergy treatment. But a structurally deviated septum that blocks breathing usually requires septoplasty. At NJ ENT in Marlton, our dual board-certified surgeons evaluate whether non-surgical options are enough before recommending surgery.
Physical examinations, nasal endoscopies, and imaging tests are all ways to diagnose a deviated septum.
The deviated septum itself does not worsen, but the symptoms can become more pronounced and bothersome as time goes on.
The sooner a deviated septum is diagnosed, the easier treatment will be. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a deviated septum, it’s a good idea to see a doctor so they can confirm if you have one and start treatment as soon as possible.

