Is a Deviated Septum the Cause of Your Chronic Sinusitis? We Have Solutions

Your septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that runs down the center of your nose, separating your nostrils. Ideally, it should sit right in the middle. But for many people, it doesn’t. When that wall leans to one side or is crooked, it's called a deviated septum. 

Depending on the severity of the deviation, it can lead to a range of issues, including snoring, nosebleeds, and constant nasal congestion. One of the most common complications is chronic sinusitis. That’s when your sinuses stay inflamed and blocked for weeks or months at a time, often recurring even after treatment. 

Symptoms can include facial pressure, headaches, nasal stuffiness, and thick mucus that just won’t drain. These symptoms overlap with other nasal conditions like allergies or infections, making it hard to figure out what’s really going on.

However, Mani Zadeh, MD, is well trained to spot the difference and determine whether a deviated septum is the cause and what the treatment should be. Here, he explains how a deviated septum contributes to chronic sinusitis and what treatment options are available.

What the septum does and what happens when it’s off

The septum helps direct airflow and supports the proper function of your sinuses. When it leans to one side, it can make one nasal passage narrower than the other, disrupting how mucus drains from your sinuses. Poor drainage leads to mucus buildup, pressure, and irritation. Over time, this can lead to the development of chronic sinusitis.

If you’re not sure if you have a deviated septum, here’s a quick at-home check: try closing one nostril and breathing through the other. Now switch sides. If you notice a big difference in airflow, that could be a sign your septum is off-center. 

Some people are born with a deviated septum; others develop it after an injury. Either way, if it’s affecting your breathing and sinus health, it’s worth letting Dr. Zadeh check it out. 

Signs your chronic sinusitis might be structural 

The problem with chronic sinusitis is that its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. But if you’re getting little to no relief with over-the-counter allergy meds or antibiotics, the problem may be a deviated septum. Here are a few signs to look out for:

• You always feel congested on one side of your nose
• You’ve had multiple sinus infections in the past year
• You have facial pain or pressure
• You deal with thick mucus or postnasal drip most days
• You’re snoring more or waking up tired

The worse the deviation, the more likely it is to disrupt your airflow and drainage. In some cases, the septum may press directly against sinus openings, making it nearly impossible for your body to clear out mucus. 

What treatment looks like

If your chronic sinusitis is linked to a deviated septum, Dr. Zadeh may recommend a septoplasty. This surgical procedure straightens the septum, opens up the nasal passages, and helps your sinuses drain properly. When combined with sinus surgery to remove blockages or improve drainage, it can dramatically reduce sinus infections and help you breathe easier.

Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure and is relatively low-risk. Most patients recover within one to two weeks and notice improved breathing almost immediately. If the deviation is mild, Dr. Zadeh may recommend nonsurgical options, such as prescription sprays, allergy treatment, or nasal irrigation, as the first step.

If over-the-counter meds aren’t helping with your sinus symptoms, a deviated septum could be the underlying reason. Book an appointment with Dr. Zadeh today to get an expert diagnosis and treatment for sinus issues of all kinds, including those caused by structural problems like a deviated septum.