Understanding the Impact of a Deviated Septum on Sinusitis

A deviated septum, a displacement of the nasal septum from the midline, can contribute to sinusitis by obstructing airflow and drainage in the nasal passages. This obstruction can create areas of trapped mucus, leading to inflammation and infection in the sinuses. The deviated septum doesn't directly *cause* sinusitis, but it significantly increases the risk and can make symptoms worse and treatment less effective.

A deviated septum can significantly worsen sinusitis. Here's why:

• Obstructed Airflow: A deviated septum, where the cartilage wall separating the nostrils is crooked, can block one or both nasal passages. This blockage reduces airflow, preventing proper sinus drainage. The sinuses are designed to drain naturally, and when airflow is restricted, mucus builds up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and leading to infection and inflammation – sinusitis.
• Increased Pressure: The blocked airflow can increase pressure within the sinuses, further exacerbating inflammation and pain.
• Impaired Ciliary Function: The tiny hair-like structures (cilia) in your nasal passages help move mucus out of the sinuses. A deviated septum can disrupt the airflow patterns necessary for effective ciliary function, leading to mucus stagnation.
• Sinus Infection Susceptibility: Because of the impaired drainage and airflow, a deviated septum can make you more susceptible to developing sinusitis more frequently and severely than someone with a straight septum.

While a deviated septum doesn't cause sinusitis in all cases, it's a common contributing factor and often makes sinusitis more difficult to treat. Correction of a deviated septum through septoplasty surgery can often alleviate sinusitis symptoms significantly. However, not everyone with a deviated septum experiences sinusitis.