The septum allows the air that we breathe in through our nostrils to go directly from the tip of the nose into the back of the nose and into the lungs. In an ideal situation, we would like the septum to be a straight wall that goes in an up and down direction. In reality, everybody has some degree of deviation of their septum.
Sometimes this is due to the way that the nose develops and sometimes it could be due to a previous injury or fracture of the nose. The degree of the deviation of the septum, as well as the anatomy of the side wall of the nose, can result in various degrees of blockage of the nasal passages as well as the sinus drainage pathways. In general, part of capacity to breathe adequately through the nasal passaged is dictated by the general health of the membranes, and other part is dictated by the anatomy of the septum.
A patient with a deviated nasal septum is considered to have a fixed anatomical abnormality that will not respond to any kind of medical therapy for an anatomical blockage. As such, the only remedy is to undergo corrective surgery. Correction of a deviated septum surgically is usually called septoplasty. In most cases, this procedure is done in the operating room under anesthesia. Through a small incision into the membranes at the level of the nostrils, the bone and the cartilage of the septum is exposed.
The portion of the septum that is not straight can then be either shaved or realigned internally. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Surgery Overview The nasal septum is the wall between the nostrils that separates the two nasal passages. What to Expect After Surgery After surgery, you may have a nasal splint or pack placed in your nostrils to stop bleeding and keep the septum straight while it heals.
How Well It Works Septoplasty is a common nasal surgery, and most people recover well. Risks All surgery has a small risk of infection or bleeding. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: A fever of Related Information Nose Injuries Sinusitis. Credits Current as of: April 15, Previous Section: Related Information Top of the page.
Current as of: April 15, When a deviated septum is severe, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow, causing difficulty breathing. The exposure of a deviated septum to the drying effect of airflow through the nose may sometimes contribute to crusting or bleeding in certain people. A nasal blockage or congestion obstruction can occur from a deviated nasal septum, from swelling of the tissues lining the nose or from both. Treatment of nasal obstruction may include medications to reduce the swelling.
To correct a deviated septum, you'll need surgery. Most septal displacements result in no symptoms, and you may not even know you have a deviated septum. Some septal deformities, however, may cause the following signs and symptoms:.
A deviated septum occurs when your nasal septum — the thin wall that separates your right and left nasal passages — is displaced to one side.
Injury to the nose. A deviated septum can also be the result of an injury that causes the nasal septum to be moved out of position. In infants, such an injury may occur during childbirth. In children and adults, a wide array of accidents may lead to a nose injury and deviated septum. Trauma to the nose most commonly occurs during contact sports, rough play such as wrestling or automobile accidents. Swelling and irritation of the nasal cavities or sinus cavities because of an infection can further narrow the nasal passage and result in nasal obstruction.
For some people, a deviated septum is present at birth — occurring during fetal development or due to injury during childbirth. After birth, a deviated septum is most commonly caused by an injury that moves your nasal septum out of place. Risk factors include:. You may be able to prevent the injuries to your nose that can cause a deviated septum with these precautions:.
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