A deviated septum is a condition where the nasal septum-the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nasal passages-is displaced or crooked, causing one nasal passage to be smaller than the other. This displacement can be to one side or may involve an S-shaped curvature, making the nasal passages uneven
. Most people have some degree of nasal septum deviation, with estimates suggesting up to 80% of the population has some misalignment, often without symptoms or awareness
. However, when the deviation is severe, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, headaches, facial pain, snoring, and sleep apnea
. Causes of a deviated septum include congenital factors (present at birth) or trauma/injury to the nose, such as from accidents, contact sports, or childbirth
. Diagnosis is typically made by a doctor through physical examination of the nasal passages
. Treatment depends on severity: minor deviations usually require no treatment, while severe cases causing symptoms may be corrected surgically through a procedure called septoplasty, which realigns or reconstructs the septum to improve airflow and relieve symptoms
