How do I know if I have a deviated septum? (Photo)

Dear katepalughiThe important issue is can you breath well through your nose. If the answer is yes, then your septal deviation would have no significance. The way one determines septal deviation is by looking into the nose. Consultation with a properly trained rhinoplasty surgeon can help you learn more about your nasal septum.

The best way to get this answer would be to go for a consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in Noses. They will answer your question and give you pricing. Best of luck.

The septum is the cartilage that divides both sides of your nose in the inside of your nose.  Patients with deviated septums can have symptoms of difficulty breathing through one side of your nose or both sides of the nose.  A formal nasal examination would be needed to properly diagnose a deviated septum.  This being said, what is often overlooked, are the other components of the nose which can cause obstructed breathing.  It appears from one of the photos submitted that your left nostril is more narrow than your right side.  This can be partly due to a deviated septum as well as the cartilages that make up your nasal tip.  These cartilages can also re-curve in to the nose and further exacerbate nostrils narrowing.  It is best to have yourself formally examined by a doctor who specializes in the nose and nasal breathing problems. 

You certainly have a left sided deviation in the front of your nose, that might translate to a posterior deviation inside the nose.  If you do not have any symptoms, then I would do nothing about it.  It is very common for people to have minor deviations.  They are typically repaired only if there is a breathing problem that is related to the deviation, or during cosmetic rhinoplasty to optimize breathing after surgery.  Wishing you the best!

A deviated septum can be diagnosed by physical examination.  A CT scan can also help to evaluate the septum and other internal nasal structures.