deviated septum, a shifted medial partition of the nasal cavity, a condition affecting many adults. The nasal septum more commonly shifts to the left during normal growth, but this deflection may be aggravated by a blow to the nose or by other trauma. A severe deflection of the septum may significantly obstruct the nasal passages and result in infection, sinusitis, shortness of breath, headache, or recurring nosebleeds. Severe septal deviation may be corrected by various surgical procedures, such as rhinoplasty or septoplasty. Postoperative care in such cases usually includes such measures as the maintenance of nasal packing, the administration of sedatives, and the placement of ice packs around the affected area to reduce swelling.
