Deviated septum

The septum is the membranous ridge of cartilage (technically a bone) in one's nose that separates the nostrils. A deviated septum is an abnormal condition in which the top of this ridge is leaning to the left or the right, causing obstruction of the affected nasal passage.

The condition is most frequently caused by impact trauma, such as by a blow to the face. It can also be congenital.

A deviated septum is quite a common condition: many people with it are not aware they have it until some discomfort is produced, as, for example, by the growth of nasal polyps. But by itself a deviated septum can go for years without being detected — and thus without any real need for correction.

In most cases a deviated septum can be corrected with minor surgery (which enters through the nostrils), cutting away (not burning) the obtruding matter. The surgery is quickly performed, but the patient can be expected to be laid up for days.