Question: After always having trouble breathing through my nose (with my mouth closed) when sleeping on my right side, I asked my PCP to check, and he informed me that I have a deviated septum which could explain it. Since I can’t ever remember being able to breathe easily through my nose with my mouth closed while sleeping (and not snoring), I’m writing you to see what may be the issue and if I might be a candidate for some sort of deviated septum correction.
Answer: Thanks for your question.
The most likely cause of your breathing problem is a “deviated” septum. The septum is a wall that separates the nasal airway into two separate passages and is never completely straight. Unfortunately, either from birth or from trauma, this wall may be twisted and block either one or both sides of the nose. First, I would suggest an ENT examination to make sure that is the cause of your symptoms. Other problems, such as nasal polyps (benign nasal growths) can block one side or the other- or both, as well.
If a deviated septum is the cause, this can be readily fixed with a minor surgical procedure. Straightening the septum, by the way, does NOT change the appearance of the nose, nor should you get black and blue from this. Frequently, people have coupled cosmetic surgery (rhinoplasty) at the same time, which does both.
I hope this clears things up. We’d be happy to see you here at the Sinus Center and help figure out how to best improve your breathing.
Robert Pincus MD
Co-director NY Sinus Center
212-889-8575
Frequently Asked Questions
A deviated septum occurs when the wall (septum) that divides the nasal passages is twisted or displaced, often from birth or trauma. This misalignment can block one or both nasal airways, causing difficulty breathing through the nose, especially noticeable when sleeping with the mouth closed.
Aside from a deviated septum, nasal polyps—benign growths inside the nose—can also block one or both nasal passages, leading to similar symptoms such as trouble breathing through the nose. An ENT specialist can help diagnose the exact cause.
Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist who evaluates nasal airflow and inspects for structural abnormalities like septal deviation or polyps. This helps determine the exact cause of nasal breathing difficulties.
Yes, a deviated septum can be corrected through a minor surgical procedure called septoplasty, which straightens the septum to improve airflow. This surgery does not usually alter the external appearance of the nose or cause significant bruising.
Straightening the septum via septoplasty typically does not change the external appearance of the nose. If cosmetic changes are desired, rhinoplasty can be performed simultaneously to alter the nose's shape.
If you experience chronic difficulty breathing through your nose, especially when sleeping with your mouth closed, or if you suspect a deviated septum or nasal obstruction, it is advisable to consult an ENT specialist. They can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Typically, septoplasty does not cause visible bruising or black and blue marks since it is a minor internal nasal procedure. Most patients recover with minimal external signs of surgery.
