Deviated Septum
Relief for chronic congestion, nasal blockages, and trouble breathing through your nose.
If one side of your nose always feels more blocked than the other — or if you’ve never quite been able to breathe easily through your nose — a deviated septum could be the reason. This common structural issue happens when the wall dividing your nasal passages (the septum) is off-center, making it harder for air to flow freely. In addition to congestion and snoring, it can also lead to nosebleeds, sore throats, and other persistent symptoms.
At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, our board-certified ENTs (otolaryngologists) can evaluate whether a deviated septum is contributing to your symptoms. If so, we’ll guide you through your treatment options — from medication to a minor procedure — and help you breathe easier again.
If nasal congestion, snoring, or trouble breathing through your nose are affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment today to get the answers and relief you need.
Common Symptoms
A deviated septum may not always cause symptoms, but when it does, you might notice:
- Frequent nasal congestion, often worse on one side
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Snoring or sleep disruption
- Nosebleeds from dried or irritated nasal passages
- Sinus pressure or headaches
- Post-nasal drip or chronic nasal drainage
- Increased reliance on decongestant sprays
How We Diagnose
Diagnosis starts with a conversation about your symptoms, followed by a gentle physical exam. We may also recommend:
- Nasal endoscopy to directly examine the inside of your nasal passages
- CT scan if we need a more detailed view of your nasal and sinus structure
- Symptom review and sleep history to assess how the obstruction affects breathing and rest
We’ll explain what we see and help you understand whether your symptoms are related to a deviated septum — or something else entirely.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how much the septum is affecting your breathing and comfort. Options may include:
- Nasal sprays or antihistamines to reduce swelling and improve airflow
- Saline rinses to flush out irritants and keep nasal passages moist
- Avoiding overuse of decongestant sprays, which can worsen symptoms over time
- Septoplasty to straighten the septum and restore proper airflow through the nose
- Turbinate reduction to shrink swollen tissue and create more space in the nasal passages
If surgery is recommended, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to prepare. For many patients, the results are life-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be present at birth or result from an injury to the nose — even one you might not remember.
No — it’s a structural issue, so it won’t resolve without treatment. However, mild cases can often be managed with medication and rinses.
Not always. If your symptoms are mild, nonsurgical options may help. Surgery is usually recommended when symptoms are persistent and affect your quality of life.
Most people return to normal activities within a few days, with full recovery in about 1–2 weeks. We’ll provide clear instructions to make recovery as smooth as possible.
In many cases, yes — especially if it’s done to correct breathing issues rather than for cosmetic reasons. We can help you understand what’s covered.
Breathe More Freely Again
If nasal blockage is holding you back, our board-certified ENT team at Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and explore options that can help you breathe easier — for good.