Nasal septum deviation is a physical disorder of the nose, involving a displacement of the nasal septum. Some displacement is common, affecting 80% of people, mostly without their knowledge. Signs and symptoms
The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage in the nose that separates the nasal cavity into the two nostrils. The cartilage is called the quadrangular cartilage and the bones comprising the septum include the maxillary crest, vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid. Normally, the septum lies centrally, and thus the nasal passages are symmetrical. A deviated septum is an abnormal condition in which the top of the cartilaginous ridge leans to the left or the right, causing obstruction of the affected nasal passage. It is common for nasal septa to depart from the exact centerline; the septum is only considered deviated if the shift is substantial or causes problems. By itself, a deviated septum can go undetected for years and thus be without any need for correction.Symptoms of a deviated septum include infections of the sinus and sleep apnea, snoring, repetitive sneezing, facial pain, nosebleeds, mouth breathing, difficulty with breathing and mild to severe loss of the ability to smell. Only more severe cases of a deviated septum will cause symptoms of difficulty breathing and require treatment. Causes
It is most frequently caused by impact trauma, such as by a blow to the face. It can also be a congenital disorder, caused by compression of the nose during childbirth.
Complications of septoplasty
Nasal septum perforation due to bilateral trauma of the mucoperichondrial flaps opposite each other. Incomplete correction with persistent nasal symptoms
External nasal deformity
Septal hematoma and septal abscess. Scarring inside the nose and nose bleeding
Adhesions and synechiae between septal mucosa and lateral nasal wall
Saddle nose due to over-resection of the dorsal wall of the septal cartilage
Dropped nasal tip due to resection of the caudal margin

See also
Nasal septum perforation

References


== External links ==