What is a deviated nasal septum?

Septum=wall in nose: Septum is the latin word for wall and the nasal septum is the wall that divides the right side of the nasal cavity from the left. When it is deviated it shifts to one side or the other. If severe, it can alter. Slow or obstruct the flow of air on one side or the other.

A bent wall: The septum is a wall of bone and cartilage covered with a layer of soft tissue called mucosa. In a straight septum the wall is straight dividing the nasal cavity into two equal sides. Very few people have a completely straight septum usually it bends to one side or another in which case we say that it is deviated. Sometimes the deviation can be severe obstructing nasal breathing.

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.