Deviated Septum

Someone said I have a Deviated Septum.

You have two nostrils that lead from the outside through two nasal passages that reunite as a single passage at the top of your throat.  The nasal septum is the wall that separates the two passages.  It is composed of flexible cartilage and rigid bone covered on each side with a mucous membrane.  A perfectly straight septum should divide your nose into two similar sized passages.  It is not uncommon, however, for the septum to be slightly crooked.  In fact, more often than not, the septum is not completely straight.  When it is very crooked, broken, spurred or very off center, it can obstruct airflow on one side, cause problems with drying and crusting and interfere with nasal function, even indirectly with problems with bleeding.

Many problems may occur at birth because the nasal tissues are fairly mobile.  Nasal trauma can also cause problems and movement of the septum with or without fracture of the nasal bones.  When the deviated septum interferes with function, it may require straightening, a process termed septoplasty.  Except in unusual situations, this surgery is usually reserved until late adolescence because of the ongoing growth of the facial structures.  It may also be performed in conjunction with sinus surgery.