Definition
The nasal septum is the wall that separates the left and right nostrils. A centered septum allows air to flow equally through each nostril. In a deviated nasal septum, the wall is not centered.
A deviated septum may cause no symptoms at all. In severe cases, airflow through one or both nostrils may be blocked. A blocked nostril may cause chronic stuffiness and a tendency to get
sinus infections.
Causes
Causes include:
- Congenital (present at birth)
- Birth injury to the nose
- A blow to the nose, often during an accident or while playing sports
Risk Factors
Trauma is the most common risk factor. Contact sports, such as karate or football, increase the risk of trauma.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose—one or both nostrils
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing noisily during sleep
- Facial pain or headache
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, paying special attention to the nasal passages.
Treatment
Most people will not require treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery on the septum alone is called
septoplasty
. It relieves nasal blockage by centering the septum between the 2 nostrils.
Sometimes surgery to reshape the nose (rhinoplasty) is performed at the same time. The 2 procedures together are called septorhinoplasty. Children who need surgery usually wait until they have stopped growing, around age 16.
Prevention
To help prevent a deviated septum:
- Wear seat belts in automobiles and airplanes
- Wear appropriate protective headgear when playing sports
Definition
The nasal septum is the wall that separates the left and right nostrils. A centered septum allows air to flow equally through each nostril. In a deviated nasal septum, the wall is not centered.
A deviated septum may cause no symptoms at all. In severe cases, airflow through one or both nostrils may be blocked. A blocked nostril may cause chronic stuffiness and a tendency to get
sinus infections.
Causes
Causes include:
- Congenital (present at birth)
- Birth injury to the nose
- A blow to the nose, often during an accident or while playing sports
Risk Factors
Trauma is the most common risk factor. Contact sports, such as karate or football, increase the risk of trauma.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose—one or both nostrils
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing noisily during sleep
- Facial pain or headache
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, paying special attention to the nasal passages.
Treatment
Most people will not require treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery on the septum alone is called
septoplasty
. It relieves nasal blockage by centering the septum between the 2 nostrils.
Sometimes surgery to reshape the nose (rhinoplasty) is performed at the same time. The 2 procedures together are called septorhinoplasty. Children who need surgery usually wait until they have stopped growing, around age 16.
Prevention
To help prevent a deviated septum:
- Wear seat belts in automobiles and airplanes
- Wear appropriate protective headgear when playing sports
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Deviated Septum)
References
Fact sheet: deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at:
http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1406.
Accessed February 17, 2015.
