Septal deviation

The septum that separates the two sides of the nose is usually straight. If the septum is not straight but shifted to one side it is known as a deviated septum. A deviation in the septum of the nose can cause narrowing of the nasal passage, lessening the amount of secretions that can drain, sometimes leading to sinus infections.

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Review Date: 12/22/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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