Does a deviated septum get better or worse over time?

Question

I had light trauma to my nose, but the doctor said it wasn't broken. However, my right nostril is always blocked now and the left is not so smooth either. It's been months and I don't see improvenment. However, I NEVER had problems breathing nad nothing in my nose was actually broken, just bent out out of place. Will the cartilage memory eventually shift my nose back so I can breathe again? Why wouldn't my body heal itself? (there are no broken bones just bent cartilage)

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It is possible to shift the cartilage in the nose with nasal trauma without actually breaking any of the nasal bones.If the flexible cartilage that makes up part of the septum bends or shifts you can get a decrease in nasal airflow. Trauma can also disrupt other areas of the cartilage of your nose such as your internal nasal valve. Your nasal surgeon would need to examine you to  see what is going on exactly and come up with the right treatment plan.Although cartilage has memory, if it has been bent out of place it usually stays put if it's been a few months.You can read more about septoplasty, the surgery that involves creating a straighter septum, at my web reference link below.

Maurice P. Sherman, MD (retired) · Answer

Any trauma to the nose could cause a dislocation of the bendable cartilage of the septum, which in turn would cause blockage of the nasal airway. Unfortunately, treatment is a surgical septoplasty, since the septum is technically not broken, but displaced, and will not straighten itself . Hope this explanation helps.

Does a deviated septum get better or worse over time?

Answers (2)