Septal Deviation

A shift from midline in the nasal septum (wall of tissue that separates the air pathways of the NOSE). Septal deviation can cause various health conditions such as chronic SINUSITIS (INFECTION), EPISTAXIS (nosebleed), and obstructed BREATHING. It can occur as a natural defect or result from trauma such as a blow to the nose. The treatment of choice is surgical correction (septoplasty) to restore the septum to midline. Septal deviation often accompanies structural anomalies of the nose that cause people to seek RHINOPLASTY (surgical reconstruction of the nose).