Can a teenager have a severely deviated septum without realising it?

Yes. Many teenagers adapt to restricted nasal breathing without recognising it as abnormal. They may breathe through the mouth, avoid nasal breathing during sport or assume their symptoms are due to allergies. Parents may be the first to notice noisy breathing, snoring, tiredness or mouth breathing during sleep.

Why does my nose feel blocked even though it looks straight from the outside?

The outside of the nose does not always show what is happening inside. A person can have a significant internal septal deviation, enlarged turbinates or nasal valve narrowing even if the nose appears straight. A nasal examination can help identify the true cause of the blockage.

Can a deviated septum make one side of my nose feel blocked one day and the other side the next?

Yes. The nose naturally alternates airflow between sides through a process called the nasal cycle. If a deviated septum is present, this normal cycle can make blockage feel more noticeable or change sides.

Is it possible for a deviated septum to affect exercise even if everyday breathing feels normal?

Yes. During exercise, the body needs more airflow. Even mild narrowing inside the nose may become noticeable during sport or high-intensity activity. This is common in teenagers and active adults.

Why do some people with a deviated septum never need treatment?

Not every deviated septum causes symptoms. Many people have mild septal deviation without breathing problems, sleep disturbance or sinus issues. Treatment is usually considered when symptoms affect breathing, sleep, daily activities or quality of life.

Could ongoing mouth breathing change the way a child or teenager feels during the day?

Yes. Persistent mouth breathing may contribute to dry mouth, poor sleep, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Because mouth breathing can have several causes, a full ENT assessment is important before deciding on treatment.

Does Functional Rhinoplasty only help people who have had a broken nose?

No. Previous nasal trauma is one reason Functional Rhinoplasty may be considered, but it is not the only one. Some people have naturally narrow nasal passages, weak nasal valves or structural issues that restrict airflow without any history of injury.

Nose Surgery Archives - Melbourne ENT

How Deviated Septum Symptoms Vary Between Adults and Teenagers

10/10/2026 Dr Simon Braham

A deviated septum can affect both adults and teenagers, but the symptoms are not always experienced in the same way. Some adults live with nasal blockage for years before seeking help, while teenagers may first notice problems during sport, sleep or after a nasal injury. For patients in Melbourne and surrounding areas, understanding these differences
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Rhinoplasty before and afters for How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling Surgery

How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty

06/10/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are common nasal procedures performed to enhance breathing, improve nasal structure, or refine aesthetic appearance. While the results are often transformative, patients are naturally concerned about the temporary bruising and swelling that follow surgery. At Melbourne ENT, located in St Kilda East, Victoria, our expert team – led by ENT and Head
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Fibre Optic Endoscopy for Children with Dr Simon Braham Melbourne ENT

How CT Scans and Nasal Endoscopy Assess Nasal Airway Problems

24/07/2026 Dr Simon Braham

If you have ever struggled to breathe through your nose, woken during the night unable to get enough air, or found yourself unable to keep up with basic exercise because your nasal passages feel permanently blocked, you will understand just how significantly airway problems can affect everyday life. For many people in Melbourne and across
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Does Medicare Cover Septoplasty by Melbourne ENT Clinic

Does Medicare Cover Septoplasty in Australia?

14/07/2026 Dr Simon Braham

If you’re struggling with chronic nasal blockage or breathing difficulties, septoplasty might be the solution you’ve been seeking. At Melbourne ENT, located in St Kilda East, Victoria, our expert team, including Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham, provide comprehensive care for patients requiring nasal surgery. But one of the most common questions we hear
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The Importance Of Nasal Breathing And The Risks Of Chronic Mouth Breathing by Melbourne ENT Clinic

Possible Risks and Effects of Chronic Mouth Breathing

08/07/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Breathing through the nose is something many people do without thinking. When it is working well, nasal breathing is usually quiet, steady and comfortable. The nose filters, warms and humidifies the air before it reaches the throat and lungs. It also contributes to normal upper airway function and can affect how a person sleeps, rests
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Summer Allergies vs Colds: How to Tell the Difference (and When to See an ENT in Melbourne)

11/03/2026 Dr Stephen Kleid

Summer in Melbourne brings long evenings, beach days, sport and time outdoors. It also brings an uncomfortable mix of sneezing, runny noses and sore throats that can be hard to pin down. Many people in Melbourne and across Victoria are unsure whether they are dealing with hay fever, a summer cold or a throat problem
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Melbourne ENT Ethic Nose Blue Theme Nose

What is an Ethnic Nose Job?

10/03/2026 Dr Stephen Kleid

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is a commonly performed procedure designed to change the shape, structure, or function of the nose. Every patient has unique facial proportions and nasal anatomy, which means surgical planning must be carefully tailored to the individual. Patients from different ethnic backgrounds often have distinct nasal characteristics, including differences in nasal bridge height,
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Melbourne ENT Female Nose Blue Theme Nose

How is Female Nose Surgery Different?

28/01/2026 Dr Stephen Kleid

About Female Nose Surgery The focus of a female nose surgery procedure is generally to make the nose appear softer and subtle, with a narrow nose bridge and slightly raised nasal tip. It is recommended for women who wish to alter their nasal shape to complement their more feminine facial features or those who are
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Common Nose Problems That Nose Surgery Can Help - Male and female nose

Common Nose Problems That Nose Surgery May Help

02/01/2026 Dr Stephen Kleid

The nose plays a central role in facial appearance and also has important functional responsibilities, including breathing. Some people may be concerned about the appearance or structure of their nose, or experience symptoms related to nasal obstruction. In selected cases, nasal surgery may be considered to address specific structural or functional issues. A thorough assessment
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Rhinoplasty for Asian Noses

25/12/2025 Dr Stephen Kleid

Individualised Rhinoplasty for Asian Facial Structures Your nose is a prominent feature that plays a significant role in defining your facial harmony. When considering a nose adjustment, it’s important to recognize that it’s not just about achieving a slim, straight, or sharp nose, but also ensuring that the new nose complements your overall facial features.
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