What is a Deviated Septum

Simply put, deviated septum is a common medical condition wherein the nasal septum deviates either to the right or left, resulting in an unequal division of the nasal passages. The nasal septum is a cartilaginous structure, which in normal people, runs straight down the center of the nose, dividing it into two equal nostrils. When it deviates, the septum causes an obstruction of the affected nasal air passage. An estimated 80% of nasal septums are off center, and many people with this condition may go through life without any significant difficulties that arise as a result. It is when the deviation is severe that problems may arise, but many of the symptoms that accompany a deviated septum, can range in severity, rendering targeted treatment unnecessary. The following is a detailed explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatment options that should answer all the queries that accompany the question - 'what is a deviated nasal septum?'

Causes
This condition has several causes; it can be a congenital birth defect, often as a result of compression of the nose during childbirth. It can also occur as an accompanying symptom of a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, such as Marfan's Syndrome, or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. In addition, a deviated septum can arise out of impact trauma causing injury to the nose.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms are those related to difficulty in breathing through the nose, particularly through the passage that is narrower as a result of the deviation. This breathing difficulty can be especially magnified when you have a cold, a blockage in the upper respiratory tract or are suffering from an allergy that causes the nasal passages to swell and further narrow. In addition, it may interfere with drainage of the sinuses, which can lead to repeated sinus infections. Sleep apnea is another common symptom, as is chronic nasal congestion. People with a deviated septum may also experience relatively frequent nosebleeds, when the septum dries up, and a post nasal drip, which is caused when the mucus drips back into the throat, being unable to flow out the nose.

Treatment
The initial mode of treatment may consist of medication to assist in the management of symptoms. This may include prescription drugs such as decongestants, antihistamines and nasal cortisone sprays to help clear up congestion, reduce inflammation of the sinuses and stop a runny nose. Should the deviation be severe, and the symptoms chronic, your doctor may suggest a surgery, also known as a septoplasty, surgical procedure which is the only way to correct the problem. The surgeon repositions the septum in the center of the nose - this may require cutting away protruding portions before the septum is correctly replaced. In some cases, a septoplasty may also be combined with a rhinoplasty, which is a surgical procedure performed to reshape the nose. A septoplasty is minimally invasive, and performed through the nostrils . Accordingly, external bruising is generally absent and recovery, faster. Should the symptoms experienced be solely caused by the deviated septum, this surgery should provide immediate and lasting relief.

In many cases, a person may not suffer from particularly bothersome symptoms - a perfectly straight nasal septum is relatively rare. However, simple treatments can bring relief to a majority of sufferers, should the symptoms at all occur.