What is deviated nasal septum?

Deviated Nasal Septum
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Deviated nasal septum

The partition between the nasal cavities is called the nasal septum. It's made up of cartilage and bone. If the septum is crooked and causing obstruction, it is called a deviated septum.

A person who has a deviated nasal septum often has no symptoms or may have a crooked nose, problems breathing well through the nose (especially on one side), and a runny nose.

A deviated nasal septum may be caused by injury or surgery to the nose.

A person who has a deviated nasal septum that is not treated may have recurrent nosebleeds and recurrent nasal or sinus infections. If needed, treatment may include medicine to treat a runny nose or infection, or surgery to correct the deviation.

Deviated nasal septum

Normal nasal septum and a deviated septum, with views of both looking at head tilted back showing nostrils and at front of face.

The nasal septum is the wall between the nostrils that separates the nasal passages. The septum is made of cartilage and thin bone. If the nasal septum is crooked, it is called a deviated nasal septum. A deviated septum may be caused by injury or surgery to the nose.

A deviated nasal septum may not cause symptoms. When present, symptoms may include a crooked nose, noisy breathing, or trouble breathing through the nose (especially on one side).

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