The doctor didn't explain it but what's a deviated septum?

The septum is the thin cartilage that is between your two nostrils. You know how one side of your nose can feel plugged up and the other does not? That's because they are separated by the septum. This structure is usually in a vertical position and the nasal cavity on either side is approximately the same size. A deviation of anything means it is a little or a lot different from what the structure usually is like. Therefore it may be that one nasal cavity is larger than the other.

Did your doctor suggest any treatment or suggest it was the cause of your sinus condition? Did he talk about correcting it by a surgical procedure? If he didn't dwell on it or schedule further visits for the condition, yours may be minor and nothing to be concerned about. You might want to call his office to ask if he was concerned and if you should be concerned.

There are individuals who snort cocaine with the result of not only a deviated septum but an actual hole in the septum. The cartilage between the two nostrils is perforated due to use of this extremely addictive drug. Its been said that a susceptible person (one with addictive tendencies) can become addicted after one time use. If a hole in your nose where a hole does not belong isn't a deterrent to cocaine use, I can't imagine what would be.

Some estimates of the percentage of people who have a deviated septum is as high as 50%. Apparently a slightly deviated septum won't cause a problem. In a severe case one would need the attention of a surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty. A severe case might include an obstruction to breathing.