Hello, and welcome to Clear Breaths, the Beginning of Pure Sounds! This is Suseong Hana ENT Clinic.
During seasonal changes or on days with heavy fine dust, many people visit ENT clinics in Daegu complaining of nasal congestion. However, did you know that chronic nasal blockage is sometimes caused not by simple rhinitis or a cold, but by structural issues?
One of the most common causes is a deviated nasal septum.
What is a Deviated Nasal Septum?
Inside our nose, there is a thin wall called the nasal septum that separates the left and right nostrils. For proper airflow, this wall should be straight and centered, allowing air to pass evenly through both sides of the nose.
When this structure is curved or deformed to one side, it is called a deviated nasal septum.
Could These Symptoms Be Caused by a Deviated Septum?
When the nasal septum is deviated, one side of the nose may feel constantly blocked, while the other side may allow excessive airflow, causing the mucosa to dry out. These issues can lead to a variety of recurring symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
✔️ Nasal congestion in one or both nostrils
✔️ Habit of breathing through the mouth during sleep
✔️ Chronic postnasal drip (mucus flowing down the throat)
✔️ Snoring or sleep apnea
✔️ Frequent recurrence of rhinitis or poor response to medication
✔️ Recurrent symptoms or reduced treatment effectiveness
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit an ENT clinic in Daegu to check for structural abnormalities of the nasal septum.
How Are Diagnosis and Treatment Performed?
A deviated nasal septum cannot be accurately diagnosed based on nasal congestion alone. Endoscopic examination or CT scans are necessary to confirm the actual structure for a precise diagnosis.
After diagnosis, the treatment plan is determined based on the severity of symptoms and the extent of structural deviation.
For mild symptoms, nasal sprays or medication may be tried to relieve discomfort.
However, if the structural deviation is severe or there is no response to medication, septoplasty—a surgical procedure—may be required.
This surgery corrects the bent cartilage and bone inside the nose without changing its external appearance, making it a highly effective option for breathing difficulties during sleep or chronic nasal congestion.
If nasal blockage persists or repeated rhinitis treatments are ineffective, it is strongly recommended to consult an ENT specialist in Daegu to check whether there may be a structural problem inside the nose.
This post was written directly by a physician in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. All procedures carry the possibility of side effects such as bruising, swelling, inflammation, or burns. Please consult with medical staff before undergoing any treatment.