A deviated septum occurs when the tissue between your nostrils shifts to one side of the interior of your nose. Your septum should be in the center of your nose, because it helps separate your left and right nostrils. When you have a deviated septum, it causes decreased airflow in the smaller nasal passage, resulting in potential sinus infections, nosebleeds, congestion and difficulty breathing. Understanding the causes can help you choose the best treatment for you.
Birth
Many cases of deviated septum occur during birth, note Ralph B. Metson and Steven Mardon, authors of "Harvard Medical School Guide to Healing Your Sinuses." As a baby travels down the birth canal, pressure may be placed on the nose, pushing it to one side. Ongoing pressure can cause the septum to shift to one side. Many doctors choose to wait and see if the deviated septum causes problems. In other cases, the deviation may be so severe that a physician must reposition it shortly after birth. MayoClinic.com notes that a deviated septum may occur during fetal development of the nose.
Childhood Trauma
Nasal bones and cartilage are still quite soft during childhood, so it is relatively easy for a deviated septum to occur. A trauma to the nose may cause the septum to shift to one side or the other. This frequently occurs when a child plays too rough with a sibling or friend. Other common childhood traumas that often lead to a deviated septum include being hit in the face with a ball or falling down on the face. Many cases of deviated septum are not noticeable until a child gets older and begins experiencing sinus problems or breathing problems, at which point additional treatment may be necessary.
Adult Trauma
A deviated septum is quite common in adults as well, but for different reasons. Playing sports is one of the most frequently cited ways that adults experience a shifted septum. Playing baseball, basketball, football or other contact sport may result in facial trauma when a player is hit with a ball or when colliding with another player. Automobile accidents are another common way that adults experience a deviated septum. The trauma of the face colliding with the steering wheel or airbag can cause a more serious form of deviated septum.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Deviated septum
- "Harvard Medical School Guide to Healing Your Sinuses"; Ralph B. Metson and Steven Mardon; 2005
