A des damaged or shifts out of place. You might be surprised to learn that, while it can seem like a minor issue, it can actually have an impact on your health and how you feel day-to-day
We take a look at what causes a detart experiencing symptoms
What is a de
Your septum is the structure between your two nasal passages, made up of cartilage and bone. It separates the two sides of your nose, where your nostrils are.
In an ideal world, where we were all built perfectly symmetrical, this wall would sit neatly in the middle of your nose. But, as Mr Samit Unadkat, Consultant ENT Surgeon at My Nose London, explains, that’s very rarely the case.
“A deses in one of two ways,” he says. “Either it develops as your nose grows, so many people are effectively born with it, or it follows an injury – a knock in sport, a fall, sometimes something as early as birth itself.”
Unadkat points out that deajority of us have some degree of del
What are the symptoms of a de
The signs of a def symptoms that you’ve simply got used to over time, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there
One of the most noticeable signs is feeling like your nose is permanently blocked on one side.
Unadkat explains that many people find they can only sleep comfortably on one side, as lying on their ‘good’ side can cause the blocked nostril to become even more restricted.
He notes that other symptoms of a de
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Breathing and nasal symptoms – a nose that seems to switch sides throughout the day, which is part of the normal nasal cycle but can become more noticeable with a deuent throat clearing, or feel like you simply can’t get a satisfying breath through your nose, particularly during exercise
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Sleep and throat symptoms – waking up with a dry mouth or a chronic sore throat in the morning. If your nose is obstructed, you may breathe through your mouth while you sleep, drying out your throat and leaving it feeling raw or scratchy when you wake up.
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Exercise and facial symptoms – you might experience pressure or a feeling of fullness on one side of your face, as well as reduced stamina during workouts. If you can’t breathe freely through your nose, you can tire more quickly and end up relying on mouth breathing.
“None of these on their own confirms a dee worth investigating.”
Can a de
If you suspect you have a deying to work out what’s causing your symptoms yourself. While having one isn’t usually dangerous and may not require treatment, getting a proper diagnosis can help you understand how best to manage them
Even if the condition itself isn’t harmful, ongoing symptoms can start to affect your overall wellbeing. So, if they’re becoming a nuisance, it’s worth getting them checked out rather than simply putting up with them.
Unadkat says that, for the majority of people, a de health concern. It’s usually an annoyance rather than a danger, but over time, it can affect your sleep, comfort, and ability to exercise
“I would be cautious about dismissing it entirely as ‘just’ trio disrupted, poor-quality sleep, or plays a part in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the knock-on effects on daytime alertness, mood and, over time, cardiovascular health are not something to take lightly
“Persistent obstruction can also predispose to recurrent sinus infections and nosebleeds. So while the septum itself is seldom dangerous, what it sets in motion sometimes is. That’s the distinction I want people to understand.”
How is a de
To diagnose a decal history and symptoms before carrying out a physical examination. This may include looking inside your nose with a thin endoscope
“This helps your doctor to see not just that the septum is detion matters, because it shapes everything about how they will treat it.”
Your doctor will also look for other, treatable causes that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as allergies or swollen turbinates. These are small structures inside your nose that can become swollen, narrowing your nasal passages and making it harder to breathe.
“Occasionally, if the sinuses are involved, a computed tomography (CT) scan adds useful detail,” says Unadkat. “What happens next is rarely a rush to surgery. In most cases, the sensible first step is to treat anything reversible and see how much of the issue that resolves.”
How is a de
You can’t physically straighten a dee doesn’t necessarily mean you need an operation. If your symptoms are manageable, there are several ways you can improve your breathing and reduce discomfort without surgery
Unadkat recommends the following at-home treatments:
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Saline rinses – simple but effective, these can help clear your nose and wash away irritants.
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Steroid nasal sprays – these may reduce inflammation and turbinate swelling, which often occur alongside a de
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Allergy treatment – if hay fever or a house dust mite allergy is contributing to your symptoms, treating the allergy properly could make a noticeable difference to how open your nose feels.
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Nasal dilator strips – wearing one at night can help open your nasal passages, particularly if the nasal valve is also contributing to the blockage.
When is an operation recommended?
Whether you need an operation or not will ultimately be decided by your doctor. Surgery may be worth considering if your symptoms are severe, affecting your daily life, and haven’t improved despite regular management.
According to Unadkat, there are two main types of operation:
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Septoplasty – a day-case procedure performed under general anaesthetic, entirely through your nostrils. There are no external cuts, so it doesn’t change the outward appearance of your nose.
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Septorhinoplasty – this may be recommended for people with a more significant or complex nasal de the injury may have affected not just the internal septum, but also the external structure and overall shape of your nose
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, it’s always best to speak to your doctor rather than trying to work out the cause yourself. Whether the recommended approach is symptom management or surgery, your doctor can talk you through your options and help you decide what’s right for you.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Article also available inEnglish,German,Spanish,French,Italian,Portuguese,Hindi,Hebrew,Arabic, andSwedish.
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Next review due: 14 Oct 2029
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14 Oct 2026 | Originally published
Victoria Raw
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
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