A deviated septum is a common condition where the thin wall separating your nasal passages is off-center. This structural variation can affect how air flows through your nose, potentially leading to breathing difficulties. This article explores what a deviated septum entails, how it influences breathing, and various approaches to improve nasal airflow.
What a Deviated Septum Is and How It Affects Breathing
The nasal septum is a wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two separate chambers. In many individuals, this septum is not perfectly straight, or “deviated” to one side. While a slight deviation is common and often causes no issues, a significant displacement can obstruct nasal passages. This condition can be present from birth, develop during fetal growth, or result from an injury to the nose, such as during childbirth, contact sports, or accidents.
When the septum is severely off-center, it narrows one or both nasal passages, making it harder for air to flow freely. This reduced airflow can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, often worse on one side. Other symptoms include frequent nosebleeds due to dryness, noisy breathing during sleep, and a preference for sleeping on a particular side. A deviated septum can also impair mucus drainage from the sinuses, increasing the likelihood of recurrent sinus infections, and may contribute to facial pain or headaches.
Everyday Strategies to Improve Breathing
Several non-medical strategies can help manage symptoms and improve airflow for individuals with a deviated septum. These methods aim to alleviate congestion and make nasal breathing more comfortable without correcting the underlying structural deviation.
External nasal dilators, commonly known as nasal strips, gently pull the nostrils open, which may increase airflow through the nasal passages. These adhesive strips are applied to the outside of the nose and are particularly useful for improving breathing during sleep or physical activity. Similarly, internal nasal dilators, placed just inside the nostrils, can also help to widen the nasal valve area.
Maintaining adequate moisture in the nasal passages is another helpful strategy. Using a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, adds moisture to the air, which can prevent nasal dryness and irritation, making breathing easier. Taking a hot shower or inhaling steam can also provide temporary relief by opening up nasal passages and reducing congestion. Regular use of saline nasal sprays or rinses helps keep nasal passages moist and clear of excess mucus and irritants.
Adjusting sleeping positions can significantly improve nighttime breathing. Elevating the head with an extra pillow or a wedge pillow helps reduce nasal swelling and promotes better drainage, preventing congestion. Sleeping on the side opposite the more obstructed nostril can also relieve pressure and improve airflow through the clearer passage. Avoiding known irritants, such as allergens, smoke, strong odors, and certain chemicals, is important as these can trigger inflammation and worsen nasal congestion. Regular physical activity, while potentially challenging with impaired nasal breathing, can enhance overall respiratory function and lung capacity.
Professional Medical and Surgical Solutions
When everyday strategies do not provide sufficient relief, medical professionals can offer diagnostic and treatment options for a deviated septum. Consulting a doctor is advisable if symptoms are severe, significantly impact daily life, cause frequent infections, or disturb sleep. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist typically diagnoses a deviated septum through a physical examination using a nasal speculum to view inside the nose. In some cases, a thin, lighted scope called an endoscope may be used for a more detailed view, or a CT scan might be ordered to assess the extent of the deviation or other related issues.
Medical treatments often focus on managing symptoms by reducing inflammation and congestion. Prescription nasal sprays, such as corticosteroids, are commonly used to reduce swelling in the nasal lining, which can improve airflow. These sprays can take one to three weeks to reach their full effect and are generally safe for long-term use.
Decongestant sprays or oral decongestants can also reduce nasal tissue swelling, though spray forms should not be used for more than a few consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion. Antihistamines may be prescribed if allergies contribute to nasal congestion. While these medications can alleviate symptoms, they do not correct the physical deviation of the septum itself.
For persistent or severe symptoms that do not respond to medical management, surgical correction is often considered. The primary surgical procedure to straighten a deviated septum is called septoplasty. During this procedure, which typically takes one to one and a half hours, a surgeon works through incisions made inside the nose to access the septum. The surgeon reshapes, trims, or removes portions of the bone and cartilage that are causing the obstruction, then repositions the septum to the center of the nose. This aims to improve airflow and alleviate breathing difficulties.
Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning most individuals go home the same day. It primarily addresses the internal structure and does not typically change the external appearance of the nose. In some cases, if enlarged turbinates (structures inside the nose that can also obstruct airflow) contribute to breathing issues, a turbinate reduction procedure may be performed alongside septoplasty. This combined approach enhances nasal airflow by reducing the size of the turbinates. Recovery involves initial swelling and potential drainage for a few days, with full healing taking several months.