Is it a deviated septum if I can breathe out of only one nostril at a time?

Question

I can only breathe out of one nostril at a time. It switches sides occasionally. If I cover one nostril (lets say the right) with my finger I can't breathe through my left. But, if I cover my left, I can sometimes breathe out of my right. However, the sides switch. Some days I can breathe only through the right; whereas some days I can only breathe through the left. Very often I can not breathe out of either side. My nose also curves to the right.

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

Nasal obstruction leading to breathing problems can be due to multiple different sources, including a deviated septum, internal valve collapse, enlarged turbinates, and/or other causes.  Alternating nasal congestion is a normal phenomenon known as the nasal cycle; however, it is not normal to have consistent difficulty breathing.  If you have had trauma to your nose, this could be a contributing factor.  Treatment options may include septoplasty for a deviated septum, spreader grafts for internal valve collapse, or turbinate outfracture/resection for enlarged turbinates depending on the source of your problem.  I would recommend a thorough in-person examination to fully evaluate the cause of your breathing difficulty in order to make specific treatment recommendations.   Best of luck!
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many issues on the inside of the nose that can cause breathing difficulty such as a deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, allergies, chronic sinusitis, and valve collapse. Each one of these issues are treated differently with medication management or surgery. It is important to try and fail medical management first, before undergoing surgical intervention. A  deviated septum is very common, and is treated with a septoplasty. A thorough internal examination of the nose required to make a determination about what is causing the breathing issues.

Leslie Kim, MD, MPH · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Alternating nasal congestion is a normal entity (called the nasal cycle) but it is not necessarily normal to be able to perceive it.  Potential causes that may be playing a role include inferior turbinate enlargement, deviated nasal septum, nasal valve collapse, chronic allergic rhinitis, etc, and it is certainly possible that you have more than one of the above issues.  You would benefit from an in-person evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT) or a facial plastic surgeon, if you are also interested in discussing your external nasal appearance.  Hope that helps, best of luck to you.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear gabgab, Breathing difficulties can be caused by multiple issues so an intranasal examination and full history is needed to best provide a proper diagnosis. Many times the concerns you are having are due to deviated septum and enlarged turbinates. These issues can easily be addressed with surgery. If you have other issues related to allergies then often medication management is an option. Seek consultation with some experts in the field for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is it a deviated septum if I can breathe out of only one nostril at a time?

Answers (4)

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