A nasal spur is primarily caused by an extra growth of bone from the nasal septum, often linked to septal deviations that can be present from birth or develop due to injury.
Understanding Nasal Spurs
A nasal spur is essentially an outgrowth of bone from the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall made of bone and cartilage that divides your two nostrils. When this extra piece of bone grows out from the septum, it forms a spur, which can sometimes lead to blockages or other issues within the nasal passages.
Primary Causes of Nasal Spurs
The development of nasal spurs is generally attributed to two main factors:
- Congenital Factors: In some cases, a nasal spur can be congenital, meaning it is present from birth. This suggests that the condition can arise from developmental factors during gestation, leading to an abnormal growth pattern of the septum from an early stage.
- Injury and Trauma: Another significant cause of nasal spurs is injury or trauma to the nose. Even seemingly minor impacts, such as those from sports, accidental falls, or any direct blow to the nasal area, can sometimes lead to the development of structural changes in the septum over time, eventually resulting in the formation of a spur.
Connection to Septal Deviations
Nasal spurs are often associated with, or considered a specific type of, septal deviation. A deviated septum is a common condition where the nasal septum is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. Spurs are a localized deformity that can occur on a deviated septum, further contributing to nasal obstruction or even sinus problems by narrowing the airway or impeding proper drainage.
