A septum that’s mildly displaced may not cause any symptoms. In some patients, a deviated septum worsens the symptoms normally caused by a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. The symptoms you may experience from a deviated septum include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Blocked nostril(s)
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sinus infections
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Postnasal drip

A deviated septum increases your risk of developing a sinus infection and chronic sinusitis. When that happens, you’ll have additional symptoms, such as sinus headaches and facial pain and pressure.