🩺 What Causes a Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS)?
- Dr Prashanth R Reddy
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Understanding the Root Triggers Behind Nasal Blockage, Snoring & Sinus Issues
Many patients visiting ENT clinics in Bangalore complain of persistent nasal congestion, snoring, or repeated sinus infections.
A common but underdiagnosed culprit behind these symptoms is a Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) — where the thin wall between your nostrils is tilted or displaced to one side.
But what causes this seemingly simple yet troublesome condition?
Let’s explore the 7 key causes of DNS:
🚼 1. Birth Trauma and Congenital Deviation
Some people are born with a deviated septum due to:
Compression in the womb
Difficult or prolonged vaginal delivery
Use of instruments (like forceps) during birth
🔍 These cases often go unnoticed in childhood but can cause issues in adulthood.
🤕 2. Developmental Injuries in Infancy
During early milestones like rolling or crawling, babies may frequently bump their nose.
Even minor, unrecognized trauma can displace the soft, cartilaginous nasal septum, leading to permanent deviation over time.
👶 Parental Tip: Use soft surfaces and supervision during early mobility stages.
🧬 3. Facial Growth Imbalance
Sometimes, as the facial bones grow, the septum doesn’t keep up in a balanced way.This asymmetric growth causes a deviation — even without injury.
🥊 4. Trauma or Accidental Injuries
The most common cause of DNS in teens and adults:
Road accidents
Falls
Sports injuries
Fights or schoolyard accidents
⚠️ Symptoms may appear gradually, even if the incident is forgotten.
😮💨 5. Chronic Mouth Breathing
Conditions like allergic rhinitis, enlarged adenoids, or sinusitis cause mouth breathing.This disrupts normal airflow and pulls the septum off-center over time. It also worsens:
Snoring
Dry mouth
Sleep quality
🧬 6. Genetic Factors
If crooked noses, facial asymmetry, or DNS run in your family, you may be more likely to develop it — even after minor injuries or during normal growth.
🛠️ 7. Post-Surgical or Iatrogenic Causes
Sometimes, previous nasal or sinus surgeries may unintentionally cause DNS:
Scar tissue pulls the septum
The original deviation wasn’t corrected properly
🧠 Why You Should Take DNS Seriously
Even mild DNS can lead to:
Chronic nose block
Frequent sinus infections
Poor sleep, snoring, or sleep apnea
Puffy or dull face from low oxygen
Worsening of asthma or allergies
Reduced sense of smell
✅ How It’s Treated
Nasal endoscopy and clinical examination
CT scan to assess the deviation
Septoplasty – a minimally invasive surgery to correct the septum
🎯 A scarless, endoscopic septoplasty can dramatically improve breathing, sleep, energy, and overall quality of life.
👨⚕️ Relief Is Possible — Consult an ENT Specialist in Bangalore
At my clinics in Koramangala and Sarjapur Road, I provide advanced diagnostic tools and offer endoscopic surgical solutions for DNS and related nasal conditions.
📅 Book a Consultation Today
👨⚕️ Dr. Prashanth R. Reddy
ENT & Endoscopic Sinus Surgeon
🕐 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Weekdays)
🕐 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Saturday)
🕐 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Monday–Saturday)
🕐 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Sunday)
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