What is a nasal septum and what are turbinates?
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the middle of your nose. The turbinates are the large structures on either side of the nasal septum. The septum and turbinates warm, humidify and filter the air we breathe to protect the lungs from dust and pollen. What is a deviated nasal septum and what are enlarged turbinates? A deviated septum occurs when the bone or cartilage that makes up the septum is crooked. Enlarged turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy) are caused by irritation of the turbinates or allergies. These conditions can make breathing difficult, cause snoring, sleep apnea, or sinus infections. You can treat nasal swelling with over the counter and prescription nasal sprays or oral medication. Was I born with a deviated septum? Childbirth may cause small fractures in the nasal septum that can become larger as we grow. Any trauma to the nose can cause deviation to the nasal bones and nasal septum. As we age, the shape of the septum may change as cartilage st
