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Simply put, nasal congestion or blockage is the inability to move air normally through the nose. Many patients will describe this to me as nasal stuffiness. There are many reasons a patient may have nasal blockage. This includes anatomical issues, inflammatory issues, and medication side effects. Amongst the anatomical issues, a deviated nasal septum is the most common finding on exam. The septum is a thin wall that separates the right and left sides of the nose. Not only does it divide the nasal airflow, it also provides part of the support for the external nasal structures. The septum is made up of thin bone and cartilage covered on either side with a blanket of mucosal lining. A deviated nasal septum is a name given when the nasal septum is farther to the right or to the left instead of being directly in the middle. This is an extremely common condition and occurs during development and growth or after trauma to the nose.
