What condition does septal deviation describe?

Septal deviation refers to the displacement of the nasal septum, which is the cartilage and bone structure that separates the two nasal cavities. A deviation can occur when the septum is pushed to one side, often leading to an asymmetrical appearance in the nasal passages. This misalignment can cause various symptoms such as nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and can contribute to sinus issues.

Understanding this condition is essential, as it often requires evaluation in clinical settings, especially if the deviation leads to significant breathing problems or recurrent sinus infections. Septal deviation is a common anatomical variation, affecting many individuals. However, it is distinct from other conditions such as enlarged tonsils, which pertain to throat anatomy, or severe sinus infections, which are inflammatory conditions resulting from infections in the sinus cavities. Additionally, normal alignment of the septum is the absence of any deviation, which would not be classified as a condition. Thus, the description of septal deviation specifically aligns with the displacement of the nasal septum.