What is a nasal septum and how does it affect breathing?
The nasal septum is the structure which normally divides the nasal cavity into two halves. Although it is often a little crooked, it does not usually cause problems. However, sometimes the septum is so deformed that the air passage is blocked in one or both nostrils. In this case, the nasal septum can be deviated without being visible from the outside or it can occur with one or many visible external deformities, such as a “hump” or a crooked nose. How does a deviated nasal septum occur? A deviated septum is either present from birth or is subsequent to trauma to the nose. The risk of occurrence of nasal septum deformities increases after injury to the nose. How will you look after surgery? Following surgery, a lightweight nasal splint is placed on the nose to help maintain its shape, but it is removed after seven days. The skin stitches are removed on the fourth day after surgery. Internal nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are also remov
