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What Is a Deviated Septom?

Do you know someone who has a hard time breathing through his nose or gets chronic sinus infections? He may suffer from a deviated septum. A physical examination or tests such as an X-ray or CT scan (computerized tomography) can diagnose a deviated septum and measure the severity of the deviation.

  1. Identification

    • The septum is the division in your nose that separates the left and right nasal cavities. You can see one end of the septum between your nostrils. It travels up the nose and into the head. The front part of the septum, which is in the nose, is made up of skin and cartilage. The interior part of the septum is bone and mucous membranes. Ideally, the septum divides the nasal cavities into two equal parts. Most people have a septum that is slightly off-center, which is considered normal. A septum that is significantly off-center is considered a deviated septum.

    Causes

    • A deviated septum can be genetic and present at birth. An infant or child with a deviated septum may outgrow the condition, since the septum grows and changes up until about the age of 18. More commonly, a deviated septum is caused by injury or trauma to the nose or head. A broken nose that is not set properly can cause the septum to bend or curve significantly to one side, causing a blockage on that side of the septum.

    Complications

    • Some people may never notice that they have a deviated septum. For others, a deviated septum can make it difficult to breathe out of the side of the nose that is affected. It also can cause chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, snoring and sleep apnea. Depending upon the location and severity of the deviation, it also can lead to chronic headaches or migraines.

    Treatment

    • In most cases, people with a deviated septum can find relief by treating their symptoms. Decongestants or antihistamines can help with stuffiness or a chronic runny nose. If the deviated septum causes sinus infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

    Correction

    • A deviated septum can only be corrected through surgery known as a septoplasty. The surgery is performed through the nostrils, so there is no external scarring or bruising on the face. During a septoplasty, portions of the septum may be completely removed. It also can be repositioned to correct the deviation. Although considered a major surgery, most people have septoplasty on an outpatient basis.

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