Deviated Septum After 60: When a Lifelong Blocked Nostril Finally Needs Treating
Oct 21, 2026
Deviated Septum After 60: When a Lifelong Blocked Nostril Needs Treatment
One-sided breathing is common among aging parents. It is even more noticeable with the passing of age. Along with this change, the already blocked nostril will have new co-occurring conditions that will further block the nasal passage, including dryness, congestion, and allergies to name a few.
A partially blocked nostril is not always a sign that surgery is needed. Blocked nose, one-sided breathing, and snoring are not enough to warrant a consultation. There are many factors that contribute to uneven breathing and it may not always be a deviated septum.
The most important issue is how the blockage affects the quality of the patient's everyday life.
The question is not if they have a blocked nose or breathe in and out of one nostril. The question is if they have difficulty breathing through their nose, sleep with an open mouth, wake several times throughout the night, or if they continue to feel blocked after they use nasal sprays or allergy medications. These symptoms signal the need to see an ENT specialist.
Ignoring a worsening obstruction will result in uncomfortable sleeping, daily activities, and more mouth breathing. It will also lead to the need for palliative care without fixing the obstructed breathing.
Assessing the blockage can help differentiate where the congestion is and if the blockage is indeed the result of a deviated septum.
This guide explains how a deviated septum can be made worse after 60, when lifelong nasal blockage will become worse, and what treatments are available to deal with the issue as well as signs that will show you when your parent should get an ENT exam.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is a wall located between the two nostrils. In ideal cases, the septum is situated in the center and allows the passage of air in both nostrils.
If the septum is shifted sideways, it leads to obstruction in one of the nostrils. Sometimes, this condition is present from birth. In other cases, it occurs after an injury from a fall or a sport-related injury.
There are many instances where a deviated septum poses no symptoms, and a lot of people remain asymptomatic. Treatment is performed on an individual basis, based on symptoms of breathing discomfort, disrupted sleep, frequent sinus problems, repeated nosebleeds and the effect that the condition has on one's normal day to day activity.
Why Symptoms Might Become More Noticeable After 60
A deviated septum may not exceed the width of a pencil to affect breathing at a later stage in life, and this is because other features in the nose may be shrinking as well.
For example, the lining of the nose may lose its moisture and become more sensitive. Swelling may also be caused by allergies, infections, air pollution, compounding the obstruction. Air Conditioning, and some medications may cause dryness or congestion. Other factors may include a change in overall health that may affect breathing and chest muscles.
A longtime successful parent may recognize that:
- Mouth breathing during sleep,
- Dry mouth after waking,
- Snoring that is louder and happens more often,
- Clogged feeling in one nostril,
- Difficulty sleeping due to repeated waking through the night,
- Difficulty breathing during walking or light activity,
These signs may indicate the presence of a deviated septum, but it is not the only possibility. An ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) exam can determine the causation of the obstruction.
When Should You Consult a Doctor? When Should You Consult a Doctor?
If the nasal obstruction is chronic or occurs frequently, visit an ENT Specialist (Ear, Nose, Throat). Sleep loss as a result of nasal obstruction is a good reason to see an ENT specialist along with a chronic obstruction.
An ENT specialist examines the nasal cavity and uses a tiny camera in order to view and examine the deeper nasal cavity. The specialist will also ask you about your sleep, allergy symptoms, medications, any injuries, snoring, and your symptoms.
What are different ways to treat a deviated septum?What are different ways to treat a deviated septum?
If the symptoms you experience are not severe, then treatment may include:
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Use of Saline sprays or nasal washes
Saline nasal sprays can help clean the nasal cavity of dust and other irritants and also moisturize the dried nasal passage. For rinses, only distilled, sterilized or boiled water should be used. Follow the instructions that come with the Saline spray.
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Treatment for allergies
For allergies where swelling occurs, a doctor will usually recommend either an antihistamine or a steroid spray for the nose. The steroid spray takes some getting used to and will need to be used regularly. They also have to be prescribed by a doctor, especially for older people taking other medications.
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Nasal sprays
Nasal sprays widen the area of the nose where the nostrils are. They do not push the septum to the side or move the tissue that has become obstructive. They are designed to support airflow through the nose.
For a non-drug option, the AGEasy Nasal Strip is designed to help widen the nasal passages during sleep and throughout other activities of daily living. The description on the website says it is magnetic and an adjustable strip made of safe materials.
Nasal strips can help with narrowing near the nostrils and provide temporary support for sleeping. They are not an alternative for a clinic consultation if there is persistent or severe blockage and the patient is in need of an ENT assessment.
Clean and dry the skin before each use according to the included instructions, and discontinue use if the area becomes red, itchy or starts to feel irritated. Prior to using this product on a parent, verify the instructions to ensure it is safe for them based on their sensitive skin and/or an implanted medical device.
Surgery for Deviated Septum
Septoplasty is surgery to correct a deviated septum. The surgery is done to allow airflow through the nose and to also correct a breathing obstruction. Other breathing obstructions such as enlarged turbinates or nasal polyps may also be treated.
Surgery is recommended when symptoms have grown to the extent that safe, non-surgical treatment has failed to resolve them. Age is not the defining factor for surgery. The specialist will evaluate all factors such as overall health, medicines, anesthesia risk, sleep quality, and the extent of lifestyle disturbance caused due to symptoms.
The Function of a Nasal Strip and What It Cannot Do
A Nasal Strip provides external support, and can possibly relieve nasal breathing for some people, especially during sleep and/or physical activity. However, it will not correct the structural bend of the septum, address nasal polyps, or resolve an infection or significant internal swelling.
It also will not determine the cause of snoring. Snoring with signs of an obstruction (i.e. pauses in breathing, snorting or gasping for breath, choking during sleep, and/or daytime sleepiness with morning headaches), should prompt a visit to the doctor. These symptoms may be a medical condition known as sleep apnea.
Use a nasal strip in conjunction with a plan. Determine if your parent is sleeping better, and/or breathing more comfortably, and if there is an improvement in breathing or if they continue to experience blockage. This is for the ENT specialist to understand.
Some Tips for Better Nasal Breathing
Maintain a low, constant level of moisture in the bedroom air by removing fragrances, harmful vapors, and smoke. Limit the levels of dust in the air, and encourage increased water intake (unless there is a restriction). A humidifier may help. Clean it regularly to avoid mold/bacterial growth.
Refrain from using decongestant nasal sprays for an extended period of time (unless you seek the advise of a doctor). Like all medicines, do not stop taking or starting any prescription medicines without medical advice.
Record your parent’s snoring habits, open mouth sleeping, and dry throat awakenings for several nights. Document if symptoms occur with or without a cold or allergy. This pattern, if kept for a few days, will help the clinician in diagnosing your parent.
When To Move Beyond “He Has Always Been Like This”
When a boxed nostril begins to influence sleep, ease and comfort, AND overall quality of life, medical attention is warranted. Your parent does not have to accept the gradual worsening of the symptom as an unavoidable part of the aging process.
If the blockage doesn’t improve and/or worsens with time, consider medical assessment. Assess the need for saline spray/rinse, allergy treatment, or placement of adhesive nasal strips. If symptoms still persist, consider if an ENT referral is appropriate.
A deviated septum, in some cases, may warrant surgery. In some other cases, no treatment may be needed or supportive care may be prescribed. The decision will depend on the symptoms, the cause of the deviated septum, and your parent’s health.
