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Chapter-023 Disorders of the Nasal Septum

BOOK TITLE: Head & Neck Surgery (2 Volumes)

Author
1. Chandra Rakesh K
2. Costello Thomas
ISBN
9788184486797
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10351_23
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2009
Pages
13
Author Affiliations
1. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis Tennessee, USA, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
2. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Chapter keywords
nasal septum disorders, respiratory mucosa, respiratory tract, Nasal septal perforations, nasal obstruction, cartilaginous septum, septal deviation, airway

Abstract

This chapter discusses nasal septum disorders, where nasal septum is a highly conserved structure across all mammals. The nasal septum has both bony and cartilaginous components which are covered by a type of respiratory mucosa which is different from that of the remaining respiratory tract. The most common nasal septal disorder is deviation of the septum, often brought to medical attention by unilateral nasal obstruction. Deviation of the nasal septum may be asymptomatic, for which no therapy is necessary. The main tenets are to remove as little of the bony and cartilaginous septum as possible to create a widely patent airway. One particular disorder that may be associated with septal deviation is the contact point headache. Nasal septal perforations are another anatomic abnormality of the septum which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Traumatic injuries involving the nasal septum can leave a septal perforation after healing.

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