deviated nasal septum

Etiology

• congenital anomaly
• trauma to the nose
  • may occur during labor & delivery
  • accidents, contact sports

Epidemiology

• most common cause of chronic unilateral nasal obstruction

Pathology

• aging may cause nasal cartilage to deteriorate, aggravating a deviated septum over time

Physical examination

• use of bright light & nasal speculum to view the deviated nasal septum

Clinical manifestations

• cosmetic defect
• may be asymptomatic
• noisy breathing
• difficulty breathing through a nostril or both nostrils

Complications

• obstruction of nasal passage, reduction in airflow
• epistaxis
• recurrent sinusitis
• facial pain

Management

• if rhinorrhea & nasal congestion, initiate nasal glucocorticoid
• surgery (septoplasty) associated with improved quality of life
  • septoplasty more effective than medical management

More general terms

• anomaly
• nose disease; nasal disorder

Additional terms

• nasal septum