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.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Patrice Burgess, MD, FAAFP - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Charles M. Myer III, MD - Pediatrics, Otolaryngology