Some people are born with it, others develop it from a trauma. By definition, a deviated septum is when the bone and cartilage that divides our nose and nasal cavity is off center, misaligned, or crooked which makes one nasal passage smaller. Now that you know what it is, let’s learn more including some signs you have a deviated septum.
Some Facts About Deviated Septums
A great many people live with a deviated septum and are unaware. In fact, it is estimated 80% of people have it. You can have a deviated septum from birth due to the pressure of moving through the birth canal causing the septum to be crooked, or it can develop from trauma to the nose, and still you might not know.
Not everyone has symptoms, and those folks need no intervention, whereas others have obvious symptoms that can make certain illnesses more frequent or more severe.
Breathing Problems
Breathing complications can be a serious problem. Many people are so used to it, they disregard it, but it’s important. When one nasal passage is smaller than the other, it becomes harder to pass air through. It can be more noticeable when you have a cold or allergies.
Nasal Congestion And Headaches
When one nasal passage is smaller and air doesn’t flow through equally, it can cause pressure leading to headaches. That extra pressure causes nasal congestion in one side of the nose.
More Sinus Infections Than Normal
If you suffer with frequent sinus infections, the cause may be a deviated septum.
Nosebleeds
Do you seem to get frequent nosebleeds? With a deviated septum one or both nasal passages can get very dry. The membranes react to the dryness and nosebleeds are the result.
Snoring, Mouth Breathing, And Possible Sleep Apnea
Nasal congestion can lead to snoring and loud noise while asleep. It can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. In addition, a deviated septum can develop into sleep apnea which causes you to stop breathing for a few seconds.
Sleeping On One Side
If you prefer to sleep on one side, it may be because it helps you to breathe better.
Contact ENT specialist Stacy Silvers, MD at (212) 213-3339 for an evaluation if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a deviated septum. There are treatments available at our ENT clinic in Manhattan.