What is a Deviated Septum?
The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two separate passages. In an ideal world, this wall sits perfectly in the center — but in reality, most people have some degree of septal deviation. When the deviation is significant enough to narrow one or both nasal passages, it can meaningfully restrict airflow and affect breathing, sleep, and overall quality of life.
A deviated septum can be something you were born with, or it can result from an injury to the nose — even one that happened years or decades ago and may have seemed minor at the time. Many patients have lived with a deviated septum for so long that they assume their breathing is simply normal. Often, it isn't — and the improvement after treatment can be striking.
Common Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
- Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose
- Preference for sleeping on one side to breathe more easily
- Frequent nosebleeds due to dryness on the narrowed side
- Recurring sinus infections or congestion
- Noisy breathing or snoring
- Nasal obstruction that does not improve with allergy or sinus medication
Diagnosis & Treatment
A deviated septum is diagnosed through a straightforward in-office examination. Dr. Benjamin Rafii performs nasal endoscopy to directly visualize the septum and assess the degree of deviation and its impact on airflow — as well as identifying any other contributing factors, such as turbinate enlargement or nasal valve issues, that may be affecting breathing at the same time.
When treatment is recommended, septoplasty — a surgical procedure to straighten and reposition the septum — is performed as an outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery. It is one of the most consistently rewarding procedures in ENT, with most patients noticing a significant improvement in nasal breathing shortly after surgery.
Related Conditions: Nasal Obstruction / Blockage | Turbinate Hypertrophy | Sinusitis & Sinus Problems
Related Treatments: Septoplasty | Turbinate Reduction
Related Services: In-Office Nasal & Sinus Procedures
If you suspect a deviated septum may be affecting your breathing, Dr. Rafii and his team are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at The Laryngology & Voice Center of Beverly Hills — same- and next-day appointments are available.