Causes of Deviated Septum
Congenital
A deviated septum could be congenital. It means that the problem might happen during the development of a fetus and can be clear at birth. In general, the septum is a thin piece of cartilage, which divides the two nasal passages. When a baby has a deviated septum, this part is located to one side rather than in the middle. With this off-center position, one part of the nostril can be bigger than the other. Many reported cases only have a slightly off-center septum. Nevertheless, when the deviation is clearer, it would lead to chronic nasal discharge and breathing issues. [8]
Nose Injury
A deviated septum can also happen as a result of a nose injury or trauma. People usually get those injuries from vehicle accidents, fighting, or contact sports. These events cause the nasal septum to be dislocated to one side from the original position. To reduce the risk, you need to take certain preventive measures. When playing contact sports, consider wearing protective gear or avoid head-on contact if possible. Make sure to wear the seat belt when driving in a car. This can prevent your nose from bumping into a hard surface when an accident occurs. [9]