Correlation between Deviated Nasal Septum and Sinusitis: A Clinical and Histopathological Study

Introduction: Deviated nasal septum is a frequently occurring condition which alters the normal air flow pattern making it turbulent, producing a nasal obstruction in an individual. It may result in permanent changes in the nasal and sinus mucosa. This study makes an attempt to evaluate the deviated nasal septum and associated sinus pathology. Materials and Methods: Study was done in 30 patients of rhino-sinusitis, divided into 2 groups - control and study group of 15 each. Patients were then assessed clinically by using various parameters such as Patency test, Rhinoscopy, Nasal diagnostic endoscopy, X-ray peripheral nervous system, and computed tomography scan. Histopathological examination of mucosal biopsies from maxillary sinus of patients was also done. Results: Incidences of symptoms and signs of acute and chronic inflammation of nasal and sinus mucosa were high in the study group. Conclusion: Our study shows that most common anatomical variant associated with chronic inflammation of sinuses is deviated nasal septum.