A septal hematoma is a bruise or bleeding within the nasal septum. The septum of the nose separates the two nostrils.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
A broken nose or any soft tissue injury to the area may cause a septal hematoma. This can occur more often in children because their septums are thicker and have a more flexible lining covering the area. An injury disrupts the blood vessels in the area, allowing fluid and blood to collect under the lining.
Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,Inc.
References
Bluestone CD, Stool SE, Alper CM, et al. Pediatric Otolaryngology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2002.
