A deviated septum is related to problems with the shape and inner development of the nose.  The septum is a hard wall running down the middle of the nose, which cuts the nasal passages in half.  The front of the septum is mostly soft cartilage consisting of a number of blood vessels.  When a septum is deviated, it simply means that the wall is off-center.  Deviated septums are usually caused by some trauma to the nose and can be fixed through reconstructive nasal surgery.

Deviated septums can cause serious nasal and health problems.  Most people have some deviation in their septums but many also have serious health problems because of it.  Usually one nostril is less open than the other.  The closed nostril can be difficult to breathe through or even impossible.  When a septum is seriously deviated it can inhibit growth of normal nasal passages on one side and create excessive nasal membranes on the other.

Some people with deviated septums do not have symptoms of any problems.  Usually symptoms do occur in conjunction with other illnesses.  If a person with a minor deviated septum gets a cold then the nasal passages may become inflamed causing nasal blockage, especially in the smaller nostril.  People with minor deviated septums generally do not experience symptoms when they do not have other illnesses.

Deviated septums can also be related to chronic nasal infections, or other symptoms.  These problems may be exacerbated when they occur in conjunction with other illnesses like a cold or flu.  A cold may create an infection in the nose because of the abnormal nasal growth due to a deviated septum.  The excessive mucus build up can also cause throat infections and infections in the tonsils.

The most used surgical method for nasal reconstruction in deviated septums is called Septoplasty.  This type of nasal reconstruction is done through the nose, without incisions on the outside unless rhinoplasty is involved.  Once the pieces of the septum are removed and straightened, they are then put back inside the nose. 

The operation is done in a few hours on an outpatient basis.  If the reconstructive nasal surgery for a deviated septum is combined with rhinoplasty or any other operation, the patient will probably spend the night in the hospital.  Usually there is little or no bruising or swelling with Septoplasty alone.

Deviated septum reconstruction nasal surgery is a very safe procedure.  You should only have a board certified nasal reconstructive specialist operate on your nose for any nose related issues.  Once a surgery has been completed, most people have clear nasal passages, less sinus infection, and unsightly bumps removed from their noses.