Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Tag: Adults and teenagers Deviated symptoms

How Deviated Septum Symptoms Vary Between Adults and Teenagers