The nasal septum is the wall that separates the left and right nostrils. A centered septum allows air to flow equally through each nostril. In a deviated nasal septum the wall is not centered.

A deviated septum may cause no symptoms at all. In severe cases, airflow through one or both nostrils may be blocked. A blocked nostril may cause chronic stuffiness and a tendency to get sinus infections .

Causes include:

• Present at birth—arose during fetal development (5% of cases)
• Birth injury to the nose
• A blow to the nose, often during an accident or while playing sports

Risk factors include:

• Contact sports, especially karate or football without appropriate protective headgear
• Trauma is the most common risk factor

Symptoms include:

• Stuffy nose (one or both sides)
• Sinus infections
• Nosebleeds
• Breathing noisily during sleep
• Facial pain or headache

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will examine the nasal passages. A nasal speculum will hold the nose open. A thin telescope is passed into the nose.

Most people will not require treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery on the septum alone is called septoplasty . It relieves nasal blockage by centering the septum between the two nostrils.

Sometimes surgery to reshape the nose ( rhinoplasty ) is performed at the same time. The two procedures together are called septorhinoplasty. Children who need surgery usually wait until they've stopped growing, around age 16.