For about 80% of people, the nasal septum — the bone and cartilage that divides the inside of the nose into two parts — isn’t perfectly aligned. What does this mean? Well for many people it really doesn’t mean much. However, when the tissue is severely crooked or off-center, a patient might have a “deviated septum.” Patients that have deviated septum sinus pressure often have problems like breathing trouble and chronic sinus infections as a result.
Injuries or nasal trauma can cause a deviated septum, but some people are simply born with the condition. Some of the symptoms or side effects of this condition include:
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Nosebleeds
- Postnasal drip
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Sinus trouble
When the nasal septum is out of alignment, the nasal passage can become narrow, leading to mucus blockages. This results in more bacteria, which can lead to sinusitis. The sinuses are then left irritated and inflamed and this can cause repeat sinus infections, also known as chronic sinusitis.
If you suffer from sinus infections, check with a doctor to determine the root cause. If a deviated septum causes minor issues, then certain medicines like decongestants and nasal sprays can help reduce symptoms. In more serious cases, surgery might be necessary.
Either way, a doctor is your best bet for personalized advice for deviated septum sinus pressure. Do you need a professional opinion? Give us a call today, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, the bone and cartilage dividing the nose into two parts, is significantly crooked or off-center. While about 80% of people have some degree of septum misalignment, a deviated septum specifically refers to a severe deviation that can cause breathing difficulties and other symptoms.
Common symptoms of a deviated septum include headaches, facial pain, nosebleeds, postnasal drip, noisy breathing, snoring, and sinus trouble. These symptoms arise because the misaligned septum can narrow nasal passages, leading to mucus buildup and associated complications.
A deviated septum can narrow the nasal passages, causing mucus to become trapped and leading to the buildup of bacteria. This blockage results in inflamed and irritated sinuses, increasing the risk of repeat or chronic sinus infections, which often manifest as sinus pressure and discomfort.
A deviated septum can be caused by nasal trauma or injuries. However, some individuals are born with this condition, developing an off-center nasal septum naturally. Both congenital and injury-related cases can contribute to sinus and breathing issues.
Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases may be managed with medications like decongestants and nasal sprays to reduce congestion and inflammation. In more severe cases causing significant breathing issues or chronic sinusitis, surgery to correct the septum alignment might be necessary.
If you experience frequent sinus infections, breathing difficulties, or persistent nasal symptoms such as pressure or pain, you should consult a doctor. A medical professional can diagnose if a deviated septum is the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.