What condition may develop due to chronic nasal obstruction from a deviated septum?

What condition may develop due to chronic nasal obstruction from a deviated septum?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Sinusitis
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Emphysema

Answer: (B)

Chronic nasal obstruction from a deviated septum can impair drainage of the paranasal sinuses. When the sinus openings (ostia) are blocked, mucus pools and bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation of the sinus lining and infection—sinusitis. This explains why sinusitis is the expected condition in this scenario. Atelectasis involves collapse of lung tissue, bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, and emphysema is damage to alveolar walls in the lungs; none are directly caused by blocked nasal drainage.

Chronic nasal obstruction from a deviated septum can impair drainage of the paranasal sinuses. When the sinus openings (ostia) are blocked, mucus pools and bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation of the sinus lining and infection—sinusitis. This explains why sinusitis is the expected condition in this scenario. Atelectasis involves collapse of lung tissue, bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, and emphysema is damage to alveolar walls in the lungs; none are directly caused by blocked nasal drainage.