Did you know that up to 75% of the population is unknowingly living with a deviated septum? When a person has a deviated septum, this means that the cartilage and the bone that divides the nose into two parts are not perfectly aligned. As a result, one side becomes narrower than the other. Luckily, not everyone who has a deviated septum requires intervention. These people have no symptoms, but others are not so lucky. For some, a deviated septum can make illnesses more severe, make it more difficult to breathe, and can make a person more susceptible to chronic sinus infections. In fact, having a deviated septum and chronic sinusitis can go hand in hand for many people.
While some people are born with this condition, a deviated septum can also occur from nasal trauma and injuries, such as a broken nose. Some of the symptoms and side effects of a deviated septum include:
• Sinus issues
• Headaches
• Nasal congestion
• Snoring/disrupted sleep
• Facial pain
• Noisy breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Postnasal drip
• Nosebleeds
But why is there a link between a deviated septum and chronic sinusitis? When you have a deviated septum, your narrow nasal passage can cause mucus blockages. When mucus blocks up, there is a build-up of bacteria which can lead to sinusitis. However, since the nasal septum is out of alignment, the sinuses are typically left inflamed and irritated, which can lead to chronic sinusitis. Luckily, having a deviated septum doesn’t have to be permanent. In certain cases, decongestants and nasal steroid spray can correct the issue. However, in more severe cases, surgery might be needed to straighten the septum.
If you suffer from chronic sinus infections or suspect you have a deviated septum, consult with a doctor today. If you live in or near NYC and need a professional opinion, give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone dividing the nose into two parts are not perfectly aligned, causing one nasal passage to be narrower than the other. This condition affects up to 75% of the population, though not everyone experiences symptoms.
Symptoms of a deviated septum include sinus issues, headaches, nasal congestion, snoring or disrupted sleep, facial pain, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, postnasal drip, and nosebleeds. These symptoms vary depending on severity and individual cases.
A deviated septum narrows one of the nasal passages, which can cause mucus blockage. This blockage leads to bacterial buildup and inflammation, resulting in sinus infections and potentially chronic sinusitis due to ongoing irritation and inflammation in the sinuses.
A deviated septum can be congenital, meaning a person is born with it, or it can be caused by nasal trauma such as a broken nose. Injuries that cause displacement of the nasal cartilage or bone often lead to this condition.
Yes, some cases of a deviated septum can be managed with decongestants and nasal steroid sprays to reduce symptoms and swelling. However, these treatments do not straighten the septum but may alleviate associated nasal congestion and inflammation.
Surgery, typically called septoplasty, is necessary when the deviated septum causes significant symptoms like chronic sinus infections, severe breathing difficulties, or persistent nasal congestion that doesn't respond to medication. This surgical procedure realigns the nasal septum to improve airflow.
If you experience symptoms like chronic sinus infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, or frequent nasal congestion, you should consult an ENT specialist. They can diagnose a deviated septum through a physical exam and recommend appropriate treatment options.