A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage separating the nasal passages is off-center. While a deviated septum does not directly trigger an allergic immune response, it can significantly impact nasal symptoms and potentially worsen existing allergies. This structural issue can create an environment within the nasal passages that makes them more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort, especially when combined with allergic reactions.
Understanding the Nasal Connection
The nasal septum’s deviation can impede airflow through one or both nostrils. This obstruction can lead to reduced mucus drainage, which then accumulates and creates a stagnant environment within the sinuses. These conditions increase susceptibility to inflammation, dryness, and irritation of the nasal lining. Such physical changes can produce symptoms mimicking allergies, like congestion and pressure, even without an allergic trigger. When allergens are present, compromised nasal passages are less effective at filtering airborne particles, potentially exacerbating allergic reactions and leading to more pronounced symptoms.
A deviated septum alters the nose’s internal architecture, leading to inefficient air processing. Normal nasal cavity functions, including humidification and filtration, become impaired. This can result in persistent congestion, contributing to inflammation. Restricted airflow can also force individuals to breathe through their mouths, leading to dry mouth and throat irritation.
Symptoms and Their Origins
Individuals with a deviated septum or allergies often experience similar symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, facial pressure, and a reduced sense of smell. A blocked nostril due to a deviated septum can worsen during a cold or allergic reaction, as swelling further constricts the narrowed passage. Recurrent sinus infections are also common with a deviated septum because impaired drainage creates a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
Distinguishing between symptoms caused by a deviated septum and those from allergies can be challenging. However, symptoms linked to a deviated septum, such as persistent difficulty breathing through one nostril or frequent nosebleeds from nasal dryness, may be present even without allergens. Allergic symptoms, conversely, often follow exposure to specific triggers and may include itchy eyes or throat, which are less typical for a deviated septum alone. A combination of structural and allergic factors can lead to more severe and persistent nasal issues.
Identifying the Root Cause
Determining whether a deviated septum, allergies, or both contribute to nasal symptoms requires a thorough diagnostic process. This evaluation begins with a detailed medical history, exploring symptom duration, severity, and potential triggers. A physical examination of the nasal passages follows, often using a nasal speculum to widen the nostrils for visual inspection.
A healthcare provider may also use a nasal endoscope, a thin, lighted tube with a camera, for a detailed view of the nasal and sinus passages. Sometimes, imaging studies like a CT scan of the nose and sinuses may be necessary to assess the deviation’s extent and identify related structural damage or inflammation. Allergy testing, including skin prick or blood tests, identifies allergic sensitivities. Skin prick tests involve placing small amounts of allergens on the skin to observe a reaction, while blood tests measure specific antibodies.
Treatment Options
Managing symptoms related to a deviated septum or allergies involves a multi-faceted approach. For a deviated septum causing significant symptoms, surgical correction, known as septoplasty, is the primary solution. This outpatient procedure reshapes the septum, removing or readjusting bone and cartilage to improve airflow. Septoplasty can alleviate chronic nasal congestion and reduce the risk of recurrent sinus infections by improving drainage.
For allergy symptoms, treatments include over-the-counter options like antihistamines, which block histamine to reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose, and nasal steroid sprays, which reduce inflammation and congestion. Prescription medications may also be prescribed based on severity. Environmental control measures, such as avoiding known allergens, minimize exposure. Immunotherapy, delivered as allergy shots or sublingual tablets, gradually desensitizes the immune system to specific allergens, providing long-term relief. When both a deviated septum and allergies are present, treatment addresses both the structural issue and allergic component for optimal symptom control.