According to the Merck Manual, a deviated septum occurs when the thin wall inside the nose is displaced to one side or the other. More than 80 percent of people have a deviated septum, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Causes
A deviated septum can be the result of an injury to the nose but also occurs during fetal development and is present at birth, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a deviated septum are nosebleeds, nasal congestion and obstruction to one or both of the nostrils that causes difficulties in breathing.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, a severe deviated septum can cause chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds and intense headaches or facial pain.
Diagnosis
A doctor can examine the nose by looking into the nostrils to see if the septum is deviated. Also, a doctor will ask about any possible symptoms, such as nosebleeds, or trauma to the nose.
Treatment
If the septum is severely deviated, surgery may be needed. For mild cases, medications and nasal sprays can aid in treating symptoms.
