A deviated septum means the thin wall of cartilage and bone inside your nose (the septum) sits off-centre, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. Many people have a slight deviation and feel fine. But when the deviation is significant—or when allergies and colds add swelling—Deviated septum symptoms can start affecting breathing, sleep, and daily comfort.
This expanded guide is written for Filipino readers in Australia (and anyone researching Australian ENT care). It explains Deviated septum symptoms, what usually causes them, how doctors confirm a deviated septum, and when treatments like sprays vs septoplasty make sense in Australia. It also includes FAQs and schema markup.
What the septum does and why deviation matters
The septum divides your nose into left and right airways. Ideally, air flows smoothly through both sides. When the septum is bent or displaced, airflow can become uneven and turbulent. Over time, that can make Deviated septum symptoms feel more obvious—especially at night, during allergy season, or when you have a cold.
ENT specialist Dr. Brett Leavers explains that symptoms often depend on severity and whether other problems (like inflammation or nasal valve issues) are present, which is why some people with a deviation feel nothing while others struggle.
Common deviated septum symptoms
Ongoing blocked nose (often one-sided)
The most common Deviated septum symptoms involve nasal obstruction—feeling like one nostril is “always blocked,” or that airflow is much better on one side. Healthdirect notes that a deviated septum can affect breathing and cause obstruction-related problems.
You might notice:
- One nostril consistently feels tighter than the other
- Congestion gets worse when you lie down
- Breathing improves briefly with decongestants but returns later
If your “blocked nose” is usually on the same side, Deviated septum symptoms are a strong possibility.
Snoring and mouth breathing at night
When your nose can’t move air well, you’re more likely to mouth-breathe during sleep. That can lead to snoring, dry mouth, and waking up tired. Many clinics describe snoring and sleep disruption as common reasons people seek help for Deviated septum symptoms.
Frequent nosebleeds or crusting
A deviated septum can make airflow dry out one side more than the other. Dry lining cracks more easily, which can contribute to nosebleeds, irritation, and crusting. Healthdirect lists symptoms and impacts that can include irritation and breathing difficulty tied to a deviated septum.
If you get repeated nosebleeds plus blockage, Deviated septum symptoms should be on your radar.
Facial pressure, “sinus” heaviness, or headaches
Not all headaches are from the nose, but obstruction and poor airflow can contribute to facial pressure or a heavy “sinus” feeling for some people—especially when swelling from allergies adds to the structural narrowing. Dr. Brett Leavers notes that managing inflammation can reduce symptoms in minor cases, which often helps clarify whether Deviated septum symptoms are mainly structural or mainly inflammatory.
Recurrent sinus infections or post-nasal drip feelings
A deviated septum doesn’t automatically cause sinus infections, but if drainage pathways are affected and swelling becomes chronic, some people report more frequent sinus-type issues (congestion, thick discharge, post-nasal drip, reduced smell). ENT resources commonly connect chronic blockage and breathing difficulties with the need to assess structural causes like deviation.
If you keep getting “sinus” flare-ups plus blockage, it’s worth considering whether Deviated septum symptoms are part of the pattern.
Noisy breathing and reduced exercise comfort
Some people notice whistling, noisy airflow, or feeling “winded” because nasal breathing never feels efficient. These Deviated septum symptoms are less talked about, but they’re real—especially for people who exercise regularly and rely on nasal breathing.
What causes a deviated septum?
The main causes behind Deviated septum symptoms usually fall into three buckets:
- Natural development: the septum can shift as the nose grows.
- Injury or trauma: sports impacts, accidents, or falls can bend the septum.
- Birth-related factors: some people are born with a more curved septum.
The key point: you might have had a deviated septum for years, but only start feeling Deviated septum symptoms when inflammation (allergies, rhinitis, frequent colds) increases swelling in already narrow passages.
Deviated septum symptoms vs allergies
A lot of people confuse allergies with Deviated septum symptoms. They can overlap, but there are clues:
Allergies often include:
- itchiness (nose/eyes)
- sneezing fits
- watery eyes
- clear runny nose that comes and goes
A deviated septum often feels like:
- one-sided blockage
- long-term obstruction even when you’re not “sick”
- airflow that feels structurally uneven
Dr. Brett Leavers highlights that in mild cases, symptom control strategies (like saline sprays, steroid sprays, antihistamines when appropriate) can help manage inflammation—useful when Deviated septum symptoms are being amplified by allergies.
When to see a GP or ENT in Australia
Consider an assessment if Deviated septum symptoms last more than a few weeks, or if they affect sleep and daily function. In Australia, people often start with a GP, who may recommend:
- allergy management
- saline rinses
- a trial of intranasal steroid spray
…and then refer to ENT if symptoms persist.
You should prioritise medical review if you have:
- ongoing one-sided obstruction
- frequent nosebleeds
- snoring with poor sleep
- recurrent sinus infections
- breathing that feels consistently restricted
Healthdirect notes diagnosis and treatment pathways and includes septoplasty as a treatment option when appropriate.
How doctors diagnose deviated septum symptoms
An ENT typically confirms Deviated septum symptoms using:
- history: when symptoms started, triggers, sleep impact
- physical exam with a light
- sometimes nasal endoscopy (a small camera) to view deeper structures
This matters because a “blocked nose” can also come from:
- enlarged turbinates (swollen nasal tissue)
- nasal polyps
- chronic rhinitis
- nasal valve collapse
A good assessment helps ensure your Deviated septum symptoms aren’t being blamed on the septum when another issue is driving the problem.
Treatment options in Australia
Self-care and medical treatment (for mild to moderate symptoms)
If your deviation is mild, your doctor may focus first on reducing swelling and dryness—because less inflammation can significantly reduce Deviated septum symptoms.
Common options discussed in Australian ENT guidance include:
- saline sprays/rinses to reduce dryness and irritation
- steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation
- antihistamines if allergies are contributing
Dr. Brett Leavers outlines these non-surgical approaches as symptom management strategies in minor cases.
These don’t “straighten” the septum, but they can reduce the swelling that makes Deviated septum symptoms feel worse.
Septoplasty (surgery to straighten the septum)
If obstruction is significant and persistent, surgery may be recommended. Healthdirect’s septoplasty information notes that the septum can be deviated and cause blocked-nose symptoms, and that surgery aims to straighten the septum to relieve those symptoms.
A septoplasty is typically chosen when:
- you’ve tried medical treatment and still have persistent blockage
- your quality of life is affected (sleep, exercise, daily breathing)
- your ENT exam shows the deviation is a major contributor to Deviated septum symptoms
Important expectation-setting: septoplasty focuses on improving airflow and function, not changing the external appearance of the nose (unless combined with other procedures).
What to expect after septoplasty
Recovery varies, but many people experience:
- temporary congestion and swelling in the first days
- gradual improvement in airflow as healing progresses
Healthdirect’s septoplasty guide discusses benefits (relieving blocked nose symptoms) and notes surgery as the dependable way to correct the structural deviation.
Your ENT will give you post-op instructions (saline care, activity limits, and what symptoms require follow-up). This is where local Australian care matters: follow your surgeon’s advice because techniques and aftercare protocols can differ slightly.
Local optimisation note: Dr. Brett Leavers
If you’re creating content for an Australian audience and want a specialist reference, it’s appropriate to mention that Dr. Brett Leavers provides an overview of deviated septum management—covering symptoms, causes, and non-surgical vs surgical options.
To keep this reliable and ethical:
- avoid claiming he treated a specific patient unless you have direct proof
- frame him as an ENT specialist who publishes patient education on deviated septum care
This approach strengthens E-E-A-T while staying accurate.
Quick self-check: are these deviated septum symptoms “urgent”?
Most Deviated septum symptoms are not emergencies. But you should seek urgent care if you have:
- heavy, uncontrolled nosebleeds
- severe facial swelling, high fever, or worsening sinus pain
- breathing difficulty that feels acute and severe
For everyday, persistent nasal obstruction, the best next step is a GP or ENT review rather than emergency care.
FAQs
Can you have a deviated septum with no symptoms?
Yes. Many people have a mild deviation and don’t notice problems.
Do deviated septum symptoms get worse with colds or allergies?
Often, yes. Inflammation can narrow already tight nasal passages, making blockage more noticeable.
Do sprays fix deviated septum symptoms permanently?
Sprays can reduce swelling and dryness, which may improve symptoms, but they don’t physically straighten the septum.
What is the most effective treatment if the septum is severely crooked?
Septoplasty is the procedure designed to straighten the septum and relieve blocked-nose symptoms when appropriate.
Will septoplasty help snoring?
It can help if snoring is driven by nasal obstruction. But snoring may also come from throat anatomy, weight, and sleep apnoea factors—so results vary.
