The nasal septum is a wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two separate chambers, creating the two nostrils. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is off-center, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. While many people have some degree of deviation without symptoms, a significant deviation can lead to breathing difficulties. This common condition can influence how air moves through the nose, potentially affecting overall respiratory function and, in some cases, oxygen levels.
Understanding a Deviated Septum
The nasal septum plays a crucial role in directing airflow, supporting the nose’s structure, and conditioning the air before it reaches the lungs. It is composed of both bone and cartilage, forming a midline partition within the nose. A deviation means this structure is shifted away from its central position. This displacement can be present from birth or result from an injury to the nose, such as during childbirth or trauma. When significantly deviated, it can physically obstruct one or both nasal passages, impeding the smooth flow of air. A severe deviation can lead to reduced airflow and make nasal breathing challenging.
How Deviated Septum Impacts Oxygen
A deviated septum can restrict airflow through the nasal passages, which might lead to mouth breathing. A severely obstructed nasal passage means the nose cannot fully perform its functions of filtering, warming, and humidifying inhaled air, placing additional strain on the respiratory system. It is rare for a deviated septum alone to cause significantly low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in healthy individuals during waking hours. The lungs generally maintain adequate oxygen exchange even with reduced nasal airflow. However, a deviated septum can contribute to or worsen conditions that lead to drops in oxygen saturation, particularly during sleep. The most notable link is its association with sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A deviated septum can increase the risk of OSA by making it harder to maintain an open airway during sleep. In OSA, breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow, leading to drops in blood oxygen levels. Studies indicate that the prevalence of OSA in patients with septal deviation can be higher than in those without.
Signs of Reduced Oxygen
While a deviated septum rarely causes overt low oxygen symptoms, its contribution to sleep-disordered breathing can result in noticeable signs. Individuals might experience chronic fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s rest. Morning headaches are another common complaint, potentially indicating compromised oxygen intake during sleep. Difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a general feeling of not being well-rested can also point to chronic oxygen deprivation linked to disturbed sleep. These symptoms reflect the body’s struggle when breathing is consistently disrupted overnight, preventing restorative sleep and optimal oxygen delivery. Such signs warrant investigation, especially if a deviated septum is already known or suspected.
Addressing Deviated Septum and Oxygen Concerns
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a deviated septum typically involves a physical examination of the nose using a bright light and a nasal speculum, or a small lighted scope called a nasal endoscope for a more detailed view. If sleep-disordered breathing or oxygen issues are suspected, further assessment may include pulse oximetry, which measures blood oxygen saturation, or a sleep study.
Treatment Options
Treatment for a deviated septum varies based on symptom severity. Mild cases might be managed with non-surgical options like decongestants or nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling and improve airflow. These medications offer symptomatic relief but do not correct the physical deviation.
Septoplasty
For significant deviations causing persistent breathing problems, recurrent sinus infections, or contributing to sleep apnea, surgical correction called septoplasty is often recommended. During septoplasty, a surgeon reshapes or repositions the bone and cartilage of the septum to straighten it and improve airflow. This outpatient procedure typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes. While septoplasty primarily aims to improve nasal breathing, it can also alleviate symptoms related to compromised oxygen intake, particularly by reducing the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. The success rate for septoplasty is generally high, with around 85% of patients reporting significant improvement in breathing and quality of life.