A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between the nasal passages is off-center. While some estimates suggest up to 80% of people have this condition, many people have no idea because they never experience symptoms. However, in some cases, a deviated septum can cause side effects like breathing difficulties and frequent headaches, which can become severe enough to detract from your well-being.
Dr. Ali Sajjadian, a renowned Newport Beach plastic surgeon, offers his expertise to help you recognize the potential risks of ignoring this issue and the value of seeking medical advice.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone structure that divides your nasal cavity. Ideally, it is symmetrical, creating two evenly sized nostrils with equal airflow through both. Unfortunately, many factors can displace the septum, causing one nasal passage to be smaller than the other.
- Congenital factors: Some people are born with a deviated septum due to irregular cartilage growth during fetal development.
- Trauma or injury: A deviated septum can also result from injury, such as a broken nose from a fall, car accident, or sports activity.
- Age-related changes: Your cartilage can weaken as you get older, causing a mild deviation to worsen over time.
While minor deviations are common and may not cause significant issues, more advanced cases can lead to various complications, especially if left untreated.
What Happens if You Ignore a Deviated Septum?
If you suspect you have a deviated septum but don’t seek medical treatment, you may experience various issues that affect your day-to-day life and long-term health.
1. Difficulty Breathing
Trouble breathing through the nose is the most persistent consequence of an untreated deviated septum. In more severe cases, getting enough air through your nasal passages may be a near-continual struggle.
Reduced airflow through the nose can be a problem during exercise, when your body requires more oxygen. It will also affect your sense of smell, impacting your ability to enjoy food, detect hazards like smoke or gas, or engage fully in daily experiences.
2. Persistent Nasal Congestion
Congestion is another issue you may struggle with if one of your nostrils is smaller than the other. Many people unconsciously breathe through their mouths, which can cause dehydration and increase the risk of sore throat, gum disease, and bad breath.
3. Frequent Sinus Infections
Healthy nasal passages drain mucus from the sinuses, but a deviated septum obstructs this process. The resulting mucus buildup allows bacteria to proliferate, resulting in frequent sinus infections. Sinusitis can cause:
- Persistent facial pain or pressure
- Thick nasal discharge
- Headaches
- Fever
- Fatigue
Over time, unaddressed sinus infections can lead to more severe issues, such as sinus polyps, which are noncancerous growths that further block nasal passages and worsen breathing difficulties.
4. Snoring and Sleep Apnea
A deviated septum can also cause or exacerbate sleep problems. Many people with this condition breathe through their mouths because their obstructed nasal passages force them to. As a result, the soft tissues in their throats vibrate, resulting in loud snoring.
More concerningly, untreated deviated septums can also lead to sleep apnea – a disorder in which people repeatedly stop and start breathing during sleep. Symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up feeling unrested
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Sleep apnea requires medical attention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
5. Headaches and Facial Pain
Many cases of headaches and facial tenderness are due to untreated deviated septums because of the pressure buildup in the sinuses and surrounding areas. Blocked sinus drainage can lead to pain in your forehead, around your eyes, and in your cheeks. You may mistakenly believe stress and tension are to blame, when the real root cause is a deviated septum.
6. Nosebleeds
With a deviated septum, your nasal passages will become dry and irritated due to uneven airflow. As the airflow dries out the mucous membranes in the smaller nasal passage, the delicate blood vessels inside your nose can rupture more easily, resulting in frequent nosebleeds.
7. Reduced Quality of Life
The collection of symptoms resulting from an untreated deviated septum can dramatically reduce your satisfaction with your life. Persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, sleep disturbances, and chronic sinusitis make daily activities more challenging. Many people experience increased irritability, lack of focus, or fatigue from ongoing sleep deprivation.
In addition, some people with deviated septums have visible asymmetry, which may make them feel self-conscious about their nose’s appearance. Issues like a crooked nose bridge or one nostril that is markedly larger than the other can affect your self-esteem, potentially leading you to limit social interactions.
When Should You Seek Medical Treatment?
Consult with a health professional if you experience any complications associated with a deviated septum. Dr. Sajjadian has extensive experience diagnosing and treating this condition. During a consultation, he will evaluate your symptoms and nasal structure to determine the severity of your deviation.
Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum
For mild cases, medical management may help you feel better.
- Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
- Decongestants relieve nasal congestion in the short term, but should not be used long-term due to potential side effects.
- Antihistamines are beneficial if you have indoor or outdoor allergies.
- Saline nasal sprays reduce dryness and irritation by keeping your nasal passages moisturized.
You might need surgery to fix the deviation if you cannot find relief with these simple medical remedies. Nasal obstruction correction, also known as septoplasty, is the traditional surgical treatment for a deviated septum.
The Benefits of Nasal Obstruction Correction
Septoplasty offers several advantages for people living with a deviated septum. This procedure straightens the wall that divides the nasal passages. Improving airflow through your nose will restore your breathing function, reduce symptoms like congestion, sinus infections, and difficulty breathing, and improve your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Seek medical attention if you know or suspect you have this condition. Dr. Sajjadian will use his years of experience in performing corrective and cosmetic nose surgery to help you regain comfortable breathing and improve your health. Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options.