NASAL SEPTUM, DEVIATED

General Information

DEFINITION--Crookedness or other abnormality of the septum, the structure dividing the nose in 2 equal parts.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--The septum is made of cartilage (farther toward the tip) and bone (closer to the forehead).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes of adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• An apparently crooked nose.
• Obstruction of air through the nostrils.
• Nasal discharge.
• Often, there are no symptoms.

CAUSES

• Rapid growth, especially at puberty.
• Injury.
• Nose surgery.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Those listed in Causes.

HOW TO PREVENT--Protect yourself from nose injury. Wear protective headgear for contact sports or cycling. Buckle your auto seat belt.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor, including inspection of the nose with a bright light and nasal speculum.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Self-care after diagnosis. Doctor's treatment, if symptoms warrant it. > Surgery to correct the deviation (sometimes). The procedures are:

Submucosal removal, which relieves obstruction. Rhinoplasty, which corrects anatomical deformity. Septoplasty, which relieves nasal obstruction and improves appearance.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Recurrent nosebleeds.
• Recurrent nasal or sinus infections.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with surgery. If symptoms are not troublesome, surgery is probably not necessary.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----For an explanation of one type of corrective surgery and postoperative care, see Rhinoplasty & Submucosal Removal (in Surgery section).

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as decongestants, to decrease nasal secretions.
• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection, if necessary.
• Caution: Avoid over-the-counter nasal sprays.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions unless surgery is necessary. If so, resume your normal activities gradually.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

You have symptoms of a deviated nasal septum, especially recurrent nosebleeds or nasal and sinus infections, and you want to consider corrective surgery.