Are my breathing problems because of my nose shape or deviated septum?

Your nasal breathing problems are likely related to some deviation in your septum, collapse in the middle portion of your nasal cartilage or enlargement of structures called inferior turbinates. An in-person examination is required for a more specific answer. With regard to snoring, this can result from obstruction at multiple levels of the airway and isn't necessarily related to any nasal issues. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

The internal nose is where people will most likely run into issues with breathing difficulties, and it made up of the septum, the turbinates and the sinuses.Either of these can alone or in combination cause problems, and is one reason people may seek a rhinoplasty.If the septum is deviated, the leading edge can cause the bridge and tip of the nose to deviate or be bent, and correction of this can be done at the same time as improving the septum further back and fixing the breathing issue, this we call a rhinoseptoplasty.In short each patients procedure needs to be tailored to achieve the result they desire, it may involve a rhinoplasty, septoplasty, turbinate surgery and sinus surgery - but the overall result must meet the patients needs and expectations.Snoring can though be more related to the palate( roof of mouth) and is less likely to be fixed by rhinoplastyAll the bestJeremy Hunt

Dear emilytd95~Thank you for your question. A deviated septum or crooked nose could definitely be the cause of difficulty breathing through your nose. There are also many other internal features of the nose that affect your breathing such as the turbinates and nasal valves.The snoring is caused by turbulent airflow and is related to a blockage that inhibits smooth flow of air while you are breathing.  It could be caused by a problem with your nose, but it could also be related to an obstruction elsewhere, such as your tongue or palate.An evaluation with a rhinoplasty or ENT specialist will help you answer these questions.Best wishes,Amy Hsu