The septum is the wall dividing the cavity in your nose into two halves. When that wall moves too far away from center, it’s referred to as a deviated septum.

80 percent1 of people have a deviated septum but most are asymptomatic. Those who are symptomatic find difficulty breathing, experience headaches, or suffer with chronic sinus infections.

How to know if you have a deviated septum

1: Nosebleeds
If a crooked septum is blocking air from flowing into your nose evenly, one or both sides of the nose cavity can dry out. When the membranes inside the nose are dry it can cause a nosebleed. It’s common to occasionally see a drop or two of blood when blowing your nose. However, if you see more than that, or if a nosebleed occurs every day or so, see your ENT doctor. It may be the result of a deviated septum.
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A deviated septum is a condition in which the thin area of tissue between your nostrils (called the septum) is not centered, making one nostril smaller than the other. The septum is the bone and cartilage that divides your nose in half. A deviated or displaced septum may cause snoring, nosebleeds, create difficulty breathing, and can also cause recurrent sinus infections which can be painful and disrupt your vision.(1)

Many people with deviated septum were born with it but it can also be the result of an injury – common amongst those that play sports. The American Academy of Otolaryngology estimates that up to 80% of nasal septum’s are not centered and that it’s usually not noticed.(2) A deviated septum can be diagnosed when the septum is severely off center or noticeably crooked. In some cases, treatment is not needed. For those with symptoms, nasal sprays and nasal strips can be attempted. However, surgery to correct the deviation is the most effective therapy.

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