Snoring is a common nighttime phenomenon that can disrupt sleep for both the individual and their bed partner. Many wonder about the causes behind this noisy breathing, and a frequent question involves the nasal septum. This article explores the connection between a deviated septum and snoring, how it influences airflow, and other contributing factors. It also covers diagnosis and treatment options.
Understanding a Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is a thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two separate chambers, creating the two nostrils. Ideally, this septum lies centrally, allowing for symmetrical nasal passages.
A deviated septum occurs when this wall is off-center or crooked, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This condition can be present from birth or result from a nose injury. While an estimated 80% of the population has some degree of septal deviation, many experience no symptoms. When the deviation is substantial, it can reduce airflow through the affected nostril, impacting nasal breathing.
The Link Between a Deviated Septum and Snoring
A deviated septum can contribute to snoring by obstructing the natural flow of air through the nasal passages. When one or both nostrils are narrowed due to the septum’s displacement, it forces air to move with greater turbulence. This turbulent airflow can cause the soft tissues in the throat, such as the soft palate and uvula, to vibrate during sleep, producing the characteristic snoring sound.
Restricted nasal airflow often leads individuals to breathe through their mouths, particularly during sleep. Mouth breathing can contribute to snoring because the airway is less stable, and soft tissues are more prone to vibration. This can also result in a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking. A deviated septum can also worsen the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a more serious sleep disorder.
Other Factors Contributing to Snoring
While a deviated septum can play a role, snoring is often influenced by several other factors. Obesity, with excess fatty tissue around the neck, can narrow the airway. Alcohol and certain sedatives relax throat muscles, obstructing airflow.
Nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus issues also impedes breathing. The anatomy of the mouth and throat, including enlarged tonsils, a long soft palate, or a large tongue, can narrow the airway. Additionally, sleeping on the back can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back, blocking the airway and increasing snoring.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing a deviated septum typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider, often an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The doctor will examine the inside of the nose using a light and a nasal speculum to visualize the septum. A thin, lighted tube called an endoscope may also be used for a more detailed view of the nasal and sinus passages. The medical history, including symptoms like difficulty breathing, snoring, and sleep disturbances, helps guide the diagnosis.
Treatment approaches for snoring caused by a deviated septum vary depending on symptom severity. Conservative measures include nasal strips, which adhere to the outside of the nose to help keep nasal passages open. Humidifiers can alleviate dryness that might worsen nasal obstruction, and positional therapy, such as sleeping on one’s side, can prevent the tongue from collapsing into the airway. Avoiding alcohol before bedtime and maintaining a healthy weight are also beneficial lifestyle changes.
If conservative treatments are insufficient, medical interventions may be considered. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure specifically designed to correct a deviated septum. During this outpatient procedure, the surgeon reshapes or removes portions of the bone and cartilage to straighten the septum and improve nasal airflow. While septoplasty can significantly improve nasal breathing, its effectiveness as a sole treatment for snoring can vary, as snoring often has multiple causes. For snoring not primarily due to a deviated septum, other treatments like oral appliances or, in cases of sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, may be recommended.