Septoplasty

Overview

Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten the nasal septum – the wall of bone and cartilage that separates your two nostrils. When the septum is crooked (deviated), it can block airflow and make breathing through your nose difficult. The surgery aims to improve breathing by repositioning or removing the crooked parts.

Yes, a deviated septum is fairly common. Many people have a slightly crooked septum without any symptoms. But when it causes breathing trouble or other issues, surgery may help.

It affects people of all ages. It can be present from birth or happen after a nose injury. Adults are more likely to have surgery, but children may also benefit if symptoms are severe.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blocked or stuffy nose on one or both sides, especially at night
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Noisy breathing or loud snoring
• Recurring sinus infections or sinus pain
• Trouble breathing through your nose during exercise

Symptoms in children

• Similar symptoms as adults, but children may have trouble sleeping or snore loudly
• Frequent mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth or sore throat
• Recurring ear infections or sinus infections

Symptoms in older adults

• Increased difficulty breathing through the nose, which may affect sleep quality
• More frequent nosebleeds due to thinner nasal lining
• May have other health conditions that make surgery riskier

Causes

Main causes

• A deviated septum is often present from birth – the septum grows crookedly
• Injury to the nose – from a sports accident, fall, or other trauma

Risk factors

• Playing contact sports without protection
• Previous nose injury that wasn't treated
• Difficulty breathing from other causes like allergies or sinus disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a nosebleed that won't stop after 20 minutes of pressing
• If you have severe swelling or pain after a nose injury
• If you have trouble breathing and feel like you can't get enough air

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have long-term nasal blockage that doesn't get better with home care
• If snoring or breathing problems are affecting your sleep or daily life
• If you have repeated sinus infections that may be linked to a crooked septum

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine your nose and ask about your symptoms. They may use a small camera to look inside your nasal passages. This helps see exactly where the septum is bent.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal endoscopy – a thin tube with a light and camera is inserted into your nose
• Imaging like a CT scan if the doctor suspects other problems (not always needed)

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and not painful. Your doctor will explain what they find and discuss whether surgery might help. They will also ask about your overall health to make sure surgery is safe for you.

Treatment

Treatment starts with simple steps to manage symptoms – like saline rinses or allergy medicine. If symptoms don't improve, surgery (septoplasty) may be recommended.

Self-care at home

• Use a saline nasal spray or rinse to keep your nose moist
• Avoid irritants like smoke or strong chemicals
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom, especially at night
• Sleep with your head slightly raised to help breathing

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter allergy pills or nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling in the nose. These are not a cure for a deviated septum, but they can help ease symptoms while you decide about surgery.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered if your symptoms are severe and don't get better with other treatments – for example, if you have trouble breathing, frequent sinus infections, or sleep problems.

Living with this condition

After septoplasty, you'll need to rest for a few days. You may have some swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding. Most people return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise or blowing your nose for a few weeks to allow healing.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid any activity that could hit your nose – like contact sports – for at least 6 weeks
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
• Follow your surgeon's advice about cleaning your nose and using saline rinses

Diet and exercise

Eat soft foods for the first day or two to avoid putting pressure on your nose. Avoid hot drinks and spicy foods that might increase swelling. You can gradually return to exercise, but check with your doctor first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovery can feel frustrating because you may have trouble breathing while the swelling goes down. But most people feel better once they heal. If you feel anxious or down, talk to your doctor or a friend. Remember that this is temporary.

Prevention

You cannot prevent a deviated septum you are born with. But you can reduce the risk of a nose injury by wearing a helmet or face shield during sports. If you have a nose injury, see a doctor quickly to prevent long-term damage.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines for a deviated septum. But staying up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccines may help prevent sinus infections that make symptoms worse.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for a deviated septum. It is usually found when you see a doctor for breathing or sinus problems.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ongoing breathing problems that affect sleep and daily life
• More frequent sinus infections or nosebleeds
• Possible snoring or sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)

Long-term outlook

For most people, septoplasty greatly improves breathing and quality of life. The surgery is safe and effective. While some people may still have mild symptoms, the vast majority are happy with the results. Healing takes time, but you can expect to feel better.

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