Definition
A deviated nasal septum is a problem with the alignment of the wall that separates the left and right nostrils. This may make it hard for air to flow equally through each nostril.
Deviated Septum |
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Risk Factors
Playing contact sports raises the risk of this problem. Examples are karate or football.
Symptoms
Some people may not have symptoms. Other people may have:
- Problems breathing through one or both nostrils
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus infections
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Mouth breathing during sleep
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the nose. This is enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment
People who do not have symptoms may not need to be treated. Others may need surgery. This is called a septoplasty . The goal of surgery is to ease breathing by centering the septum between the two nostrils.
Rhinoplasty may also be done to reshape the nose at the same time. Together the two surgeries are called septorhinoplasty.
RESOURCES
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery http://www.entnet.org
American Society of Plastic Surgeons https://www.plasticsurgery.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery https://www.entcanada.org
Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons http://plasticsurgery.ca
References
Deviated septum. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1406. Accessed August 13, 2020.
Greenstone M, Hack M. Obstructive sleep apnoea. BMJ. 2014 Jun 17;348:g3745.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa-in-adults . Accessed August 13, 2020.
Septal deviation and perforation. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/nose-and-paranasal-sinus-disorders/septal-deviation-and-perforation. Accessed August 13, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2020
- Update Date: 08/13/2020