---
title: "Cottle's Classification of Deviated Nasal Septum"
description: "Understand the Cottle's classification of Deviated Nasal Septum."
source: "The ENT Resident"
author: "Dr. Mausumi Das"
canonical_url: "https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/cottle-classification-dns"
categories: ["Rhinology", "Short Questions in ENT"]
video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjhNItYI6Nk"
image: "https://media.theentresident.com/og-images/cottle-classification-dns.png"
---

# Cottle's Classification of Deviated Nasal Septum

Understand the Cottle's classification of Deviated Nasal Septum. Watch the full video lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjhNItYI6Nk

## 🩺 Cottle's Classification of Deviated Nasal Septum

Cottle's classification is a commonly asked **viva question** in ENT, especially during the discussion of **nasal septum deviations**. 

It categorizes **Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS)** into three main types based on **symptoms** and **response to decongestants**.

### 📚 Classification:

1. **Simple**

   - The deviation is present but **does not cause any symptoms**.
   - Patient usually **does not complain of obstruction**.

2. **Obstructed**

   - The deviation **causes nasal obstruction**.
   - However, the obstruction is **relieved with the use of nasal decongestants**.

3. **Impacted**

   - The deviation **causes nasal obstruction**.
   - The obstruction **does not improve even with nasal decongestants**.
   - Indicates a more **fixed or severe deviation**.

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✅ **Clinical Relevance:**  
This classification helps in understanding the severity of the obstruction and planning treatment, particularly whether surgical intervention like **septoplasty** is required.

---

## About This Note

This free ENT note on Cottle's Classification of Deviated Nasal Septum was written by Dr. Mausumi Das and is paired with a corresponding video lecture.

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## Related Notes by Category

- Rhinology: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/rhinology.md
- Short Questions in ENT: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/short-questions-in-ent.md

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