A deviated nasal septum is a crooked septum, which is the structure
made of bone and cartilage that divides the nose into two equal parts.
A person who has a deviated nasal septum often has no symptoms or
may have a crooked nose, difficulty breathing well through the nose (especially
on one side), and a runny nose.
A deviated nasal septum may be caused by injury or surgery to the
nose, or by rapid growth, especially at puberty.
A person who has a deviated nasal septum that is not treated may
have recurrent nosebleeds and recurrent nasal or sinus infections. If needed,
treatment may include medication to treat a runny nose or infection, or surgery
to correct the deviation.
