How do you get a deviated septum and how is it related to sinus infections?

Deviated septum: If you did not experience a septal dislocation at birth, then you get a deviated septum by trauma to your nose. Baseball? Soccer? Wrestling with your brother? Bar brawl? These are potential situations to sustain trauma to your nose. A severe septal deviation could impinge on your middle turbinate and limit the drainage of one or multiple sinuses. About 80% of people have a deviated septum -->.

Develops with growth: The nasal septum is composed of both bone and cartilage. Ideally, the parts join edge to edge. In many people, the cartilage overgrows the bone and slips off to one side or the other during puberty, creating a diagonal ridge on one side and possibly a curve to the opposite side. If the septum presses the sinus pathways closed, infections can occur.

Trauma or growth: Deviated septum can occur with facial growth or may be caused by trauma. It commonly causes blockage of the nasal airway. Occasionally a deviated septum might be related to sinus infections. See an ENT specialist for evaluation.

Deviated septum: A deviated septum is a common issue. It can be caused by trauma, position in utero and even during the birth process. If there are symptoms like nasal obstruction, snoring or recurrent sinusitis, have your nose evaluated by a board certified otolaryngologist.