Information About Deviated Nasal Septum
We Have to Know about the Deviated Nasal Septum
- The nasal septum is the thin wall inside the nose that separates the right and left nasal cavities. Normally it is situated in the center of the nose. In a deviated nasal septum the septum is displaced to one side
Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum
- A deviated septum occurs when nasal septum — the thin wall that separates your right and left nasal passages — is displaced to one side
- In some cases, a deviated septum occurs during fetal development and is apparent at birth.
- More commonly, a deviated septum is the result of an injury to the nose
- In infants, such an injury may occur during delivery
- In older children and adults, a wide array of accidents may lead to a nose injury and deviated septum
Signs & Symptoms of Deviated Nasal Septum
- Minor deviation of nasal septum may not have any symptoms. If the deviation is severe, however, it may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Obstruction of one or both nostrils. This obstruction can make it difficult to breathe through the nostril or nostrils
- This may be more noticeable when you have a cold (upper respiratory tract infection) or allergies that cause your nasal passages to swell and narrow
- Nasal congestion
- Nosebleeds
- Frequent or recurring sinus infections
- Noisy breathing during sleep.
Medical advice for Deviated Nasal Septum
- See a doctor if you experience recurring sinus infections, frequent nosebleeds or a blocked nostril that doesn’t respond to treatment within two to three weeks
Treatment for Deviated Nasal Septum
- Medications like Decongestants, Antihistamines. Medications are only for temporary relief and they won’t correct a deviated septum.
- Surgery is required in some cases
- Surgery is not performed on children since they are still growing. Both surgeries are generally directed at adults ages 18 and older
