nasal septal deviation

Last edited 10/2023 and last reviewed 11/2023

Deviation of the nasal septal deviation is often a result of trauma, either recent or in the past, including at birth.

One acquired in a young child may become more pronounced as the septum grows.

Septal deviation may cause significant nasal airway obstruction, requiring surgical correction.

Septoplasty is a clinically effective treatment for nasal obstruction associated with septal deviation compared with a defined regimen of nasal steroid and saline sprays (1)

Reference:

• Carrie S et al. Clinical effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for nasal airways obstruction: multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial BMJ 2023; 383 :e075445 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075445