by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
En Espaol (Spanish Version) The nasal septum is the wall separating the left and right nostrils from each other. A deviated nasal septum occurs when the nasal septum is not centered between the two nostrils. A well-centered septum allows equal airflow through each nostril.
A deviated septum may cause no symptoms at all. In severe cases, however, airflow through one or both nostrils may be blocked. Nostril blockage may cause chronic stuffiness (nasal congestion) and a tendency to get sinus infections .
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Causes include:
- Present at birtharose during fetal development (5% of cases)
- Birth injury to the nose
- A blow to the nose, often during an accident or while playing sports
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.
Risk factors include:
- Contact sports, especially karate or football without appropriate protective headgear
- Trauma is the most common risk factor
Symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose (one or both sides)
- Sinus infections
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing noisily during sleep
- Facial pain or headache
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will carefully examine the nasal passages using a nasal speculum to hold the nose open and with a thin telescope that is introduced in the nose.
TreatmentMost people with a deviated septum don't require treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Surgery on the septum alone is called septoplasty. Septoplasty relieves nasal blockage by centering the septum between the two nostrils. Sometimes surgery to reshape the nose ( rhinoplasty ) is performed at the same time. The two procedures together are called septorhinoplasty. Children who need surgery usually wait until they've stopped growing, around age 16. Since many insurance companies regard septorhinoplasty as cosmetic surgery, be sure to confirm that your surgical costs will be covered before scheduling treatment. Prevention To help prevent a deviated septum: Wear seat belts in automobiles and airplanes.Wear appropriate protective headgear when playing sports. RESOURCES: American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgeryhttp://www.entnet.org HealthFinder, US Department of Health and Human Serviceshttp://www.healthfinder.gov RESOURCES: Canadian Society of Otolaryngologyhttp://www.entcanada.org/default.asp The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeonshttp://www.plasticsurgery.ca/ References: American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org .
Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . 17 th ed. Merck and Company; 1999. Last reviewed February 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACSPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
