Understanding Deviated Septum: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

 

The nasal septum is a thin wall of bone and cartilage between the two nostrils, separating the left and right nasal airways. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller. Though the nasal septum should ideally be centered, it is typically slightly off-center for 80% of people. This usually is not glaringly obvious and does not cause issues. When the nasal septum is noticeably more on one side versus the other, it is deviated. This results in one airway being narrower, which can cause various symptoms. A deviated septum can range in severity (or deviation from the center) and may need surgical treatment.

 

Causes & Deviated Septum Symptoms

A deviated septum is a condition that can be caused by:

• A nose injury can commonly occur during contact sports, car accidents, falls, etc. The trauma from this can displace the septum.
• People can also be born with a deviated septum, which means that it occurs during fetal development.

A deviated septum impacts the nose’s airflow and can block airflow in the obstructed nostril. This can cause various symptoms related to nasal airflow and breathing difficulties, including:

• Skin in the nose becomes dry and cracked, causing frequent nosebleeds
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus infections
• Headaches
• Postnasal drip
• Discomfort during sleep
• A deviated septum can block airflow through the nasal cavity, which commonly causes sleep issues like snoring and sleep apnea.
• Loud breathing while sleeping (excessive snoring)
• Contribute to sleep disorders like sleep apnea

Depending on the severity of the deviated septum, people can experience no symptoms or chronic symptoms. Some may only experience symptoms while they have a cold or upper respiratory infection. This causes the tissues in the nasal passage to swell, which can worsen airflow, activating other symptoms.

 

Treatment Options

Treatment for a deviated septum depends mainly on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. For some individuals, medications may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion and sinus pressure. However, surgical intervention may be necessary in more severe cases to correct the deviated septum and improve breathing.

Treatment with Nasal Steroid Sprays

There are useful ways to manage some of the symptoms of a deviated septum. Some medications alleviate symptoms, including the following:

• Decongestants reduce the swelling of nasal tissue, allowing your airways to be opened and preventing airflow restriction. They commonly come in the form of a pill, but sprays are available as well.
• Antihistamines target and treat the symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose.
• Nasal steroid sprays, which must be prescribed, also reduce swelling by opening up the nasal pathways.

Medications

Medications for a deviated septum can be quite effective in managing symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays are commonly prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, making breathing easier. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal tissues. At the same time, antihistamines may address symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, especially if allergies are a contributing factor.

Surgery

Surgery for a deviated septum, known as septoplasty, is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the nasal septum and removes or readjusts any excess bone or cartilage causing the deviation. A nasal speculum may gently open the nostril, allowing the surgeon to access the nasal septum easily. Septoplasty is usually performed outpatient and can take several hours to complete. This surgery can significantly improve airflow through the nasal passages, enhancing breathing and overall quality of life.

 

Complications and Related Conditions

A deviated nasal septum can lead to several complications and related conditions, including:

• Repeated sinus infections: A deviated septum can interfere with normal sinus drainage, leading to repeated sinus infections.
• Nasal congestion: The obstruction caused by a deviated septum can result in persistent nasal congestion, making breathing difficult through your nose.
• Nasal obstruction: A severely deviated septum can cause significant nasal obstruction, leading to breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.
• Sleep apnea: A deviated septum can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This common deviated septum causes sleep issues and can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health.
• Nasal polyps: A deviated septum can increase the risk of developing nasal polyps, which are growths that can further obstruct the nasal passages.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of a deviated nasal septum, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, or repeated sinus infections, it is essential to see a doctor. An ENT specialist can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.

In particular, you should see a doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Repeated sinus infections
• Nasal discharge or bleeding
• Sleep apnea or other respiratory problems

Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, ensuring you maintain a good quality of life. 

 

Prevention of Repeated Sinus Infections

The best way to reduce your risk of a deviated septum is to avoid injury. There are a few ways to do this, including the following:

• Wear any protective gear while playing sports
• Drive safely and wear a seat belt
• Wear a helmet while riding a bike, motorcycle, scooter, skateboard, etc.

Though most people with deviated septum do not experience chronic health concerns because of it, if you injure your nose or regularly experience the symptoms previously listed, we recommend having your nose evaluated.

Treating a deviated septum can drastically improve breathing and cure the symptoms associated with the condition. This will allow you to receive quality sleep and navigate your day without disrupting triggered sinuses, improving the quality of your life! Contact us at Enticare to learn more.