20 Dec How to Know If You Have a Deviated Septum
Self-Test to Discover If You Have a Deviated Septum
Have you ever wondered if a deviated septum could be the cause of your chronic nasal issues? If you experience difficulty breathing through your nose, frequent nosebleeds, facial pain, or other related symptoms, it’s possible that a deviated septum is the culprit. A deviated septum is a common condition that occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone separating your nasal passages, called the septum, is displaced or crooked. This displacement can lead to a range of symptoms that can impact you, from disrupted sleep to recurrent sinus infections.
It is estimated that up to 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation. While many cases are mild and may not require treatment, more severe cases can benefit from surgical intervention. In Perth, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts is a highly experienced plastic surgeon who offers treatment for deviated septum, helping patients find relief from their symptoms and improve their overall nasal function.
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Anatomy of the Nose
To better understand how a deviated septum can impact your nasal function, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of your nose. Your nose is a complex structure made up of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. The two nostrils are separated by the septum, a thin wall composed of cartilage and bone. The septum runs down the centre of your nose, dividing it into left and right nasal passages.
In addition to the septum, your nose contains several other important structures. The nasal turbinates are bony shelves covered in soft tissue that project from the lateral walls of your nasal passages. These turbinates help to humidify, warm, and filter the air you breathe. The nasal valves are narrow openings in your nose that regulate airflow, while your sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones around your nose that produce mucus to help keep your nasal passages moist and trap irritants.
When your septum is properly aligned, it allows for equal airflow through both nostrils and helps to support the structure of your nose. However, when the septum is deviated, it can cause a range of issues. A deviation can occur due to a congenital defect, meaning you were born with it, or as a result of an injury to the nose. The severity of the deviation can vary, with some cases causing only minor symptoms and others leading to significant obstruction and discomfort.
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Common Signs and Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
Difficulty Breathing Through the Nose
If you have a deviated septum, you may find it challenging to breathe through your nose, particularly on one side. The severity of the obstruction can vary depending on the degree of the deviation. In some cases, the airflow may be significantly reduced, while in others, it may be completely blocked. This obstruction occurs because the deviated septum narrows the nasal passage, restricting the amount of air that can flow through.
As a result of this obstruction, you may find yourself relying more on mouth breathing, especially during sleep. Mouth breathing can lead to a range of issues, including dry mouth, sore throat, bad breath, and even dental problems. Additionally, chronic mouth breathing can cause changes in the structure of your face and jaw over time, particularly in children whose bones are still developing.
If you experience persistent difficulty breathing through your nose, it’s essential to consult with a specialist like Dr. Guy Watts to determine if a deviated septum is the underlying cause. In some cases, other factors such as allergies, sinus infections, or nasal polyps may contribute to the obstruction and will need to be addressed alongside the deviated septum.
Frequent Nosebleeds
Another common symptom of a deviated septum is frequent nosebleeds. When the septum is deviated, it can cause the nasal passages to dry out, particularly on the side with the deviation. This dryness occurs because the airflow is disrupted, which can lead to changes in the humidity and temperature of the nasal environment.
As the nasal passages become dry and irritated, the delicate blood vessels in the nose are more likely to rupture, resulting in nosebleeds. These nosebleeds can range from minor spotting to more severe bleeding that requires medical attention. In some cases, individuals with a deviated septum may experience nosebleeds several times a week or even daily.
If you experience frequent nosebleeds, it’s important to keep your nasal passages moisturised using a saline spray or humidifier. However, if the nosebleeds persist or are severe, you should consult with a medical professional to determine if a deviated septum or other underlying condition is the cause.
Facial Pain and Headaches
In addition to difficulty breathing and frequent nosebleeds, a deviated septum can also cause facial pain and headaches. When the septum is significantly deviated, it can lead to increased pressure in the nasal passages, particularly on one side of the face. This pressure can cause pain and discomfort in the nose, cheeks, forehead, and even the teeth.
The facial pain associated with a deviated septum is often described as a dull ache or pressure, rather than a sharp or stabbing pain. It may be more pronounced on one side of the face, depending on the location and severity of the deviation. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the ears, jaw, or neck.
Headaches are another common symptom of a deviated septum. The increased pressure in the nasal passages can trigger headaches, particularly in the forehead or around the eyes. These headaches may be more frequent or severe on the side with the deviation and can be mistaken for migraines or tension headaches.
If you experience chronic facial pain or headaches, particularly if they are accompanied by other nasal symptoms, it’s important to consult with a specialist like Dr. Guy Watts. Treating the underlying deviated septum can often provide relief from these symptoms.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is another common symptom of a deviated septum. When the septum is deviated, it can cause mucus to accumulate in the nasal passages, particularly on the side with the deviation. This accumulation occurs because the airflow is disrupted, which can lead to changes in the production and drainage of mucus.
As the mucus builds up in the nasal passages, it can drip down the back of the throat, causing a sensation of constant throat clearing or coughing. This postnasal drip can be particularly bothersome at night, as the mucus can accumulate while you are lying down, leading to a sore throat or cough in the morning.
In some cases, postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath, as the accumulated mucus can harbor bacteria and cause an unpleasant odour. Additionally, postnasal drip can irritate the throat and vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or a raspy voice.
If you experience chronic postnasal drip, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to determine if a deviated septum is the underlying cause. In some cases, other factors such as allergies or sinus infections may also contribute to the problem and will need to be addressed alongside the deviated septum.
Noisy Breathing during Sleep
If you have a deviated septum, you may experience noisy breathing during sleep, particularly snoring or mouth breathing. When the septum is deviated, it can cause turbulent airflow through the nasal passages, leading to vibrations in the soft tissues of the nose and throat. These vibrations can produce the characteristic sound of snoring, which can be disruptive to both the individual and their sleeping partner.
In some cases, a deviated septum can also contribute to sleep apnoea, a serious condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnoea can lead to a range of health problems, including daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you experience chronic snoring or other sleep-related breathing problems, you should see a specialist to determine if a deviated septum is the underlying cause. Treating the deviated septum through surgery or other means can often improve airflow and reduce snoring, leading to better quality sleep for both you and your partner.
Recurrent Sinus Infections
A deviated septum can also make individuals more susceptible to recurrent sinus infections. When the septum is deviated, it can create a blockage in the nasal passages, preventing proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses. This blockage can create an ideal environment for bacteria and other irritants to accumulate, leading to frequent infections.
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can cause a range of symptoms, including facial pain and pressure, headaches, nasal congestion, and thick, discoloured nasal discharge. In some cases, the infections may also lead to fever, fatigue, and dental pain.
Treating the deviated septum through surgery or other means can often improve sinus drainage and reduce the frequency of infections.
Nasal Congestion or Stuffiness
A deviated septum can also cause persistent nasal congestion or stuffiness, particularly on one side of the nose. This congestion occurs because the deviated septum obstructs the nasal passages, making it difficult for air to flow through freely. As a result, the nasal tissues can become inflamed and swollen, leading to a feeling of stuffiness or blockage.
In some cases, the congestion associated with a deviated septum may not respond well to decongestants or other over-the-counter remedies. This is because the underlying structural problem of the deviated septum is not addressed by these medications, which primarily work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal tissues.
Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum
If you are suffering from the symptoms of a deviated septum and have been diagnosed with this condition, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to you. The good news is that there are several effective treatments that can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall nasal function.
The most common and effective treatment for a deviated septum is a surgical procedure called septoplasty. During this procedure, Dr. Watts will carefully reposition and straighten the deviated portion of the septum, creating a more open and symmetrical nasal passage. This can help improve airflow, reduce nasal obstruction, and alleviate many of the other symptoms associated with a deviated septum.
One of the key benefits of septoplasty is that it is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day as your surgery. The procedure is usually done under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within a week of their procedure, although it may take several weeks for the full results to become apparent.
FAQs about Deviated Septum
Can a deviated septum correct itself over time?
- In most cases, a deviated septum will not correct itself over time. While some mild cases may not require treatment, more severe deviations typically need surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and improve nasal function.
Is septoplasty covered by insurance?
- In many cases, septoplasty is considered a medically necessary procedure and may be covered by insurance. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan and the severity of your condition. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Are there any risks associated with septoplasty?
- As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with septoplasty. These may include bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anaesthesia, or changes in the sense of smell.
How long does it take to fully recover from septoplasty?
- Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within a week of their procedure. However, it may take several weeks for swelling to fully subside and for the final results of the surgery to become apparent.
Can a deviated septum cause sleep apnoea?
- While a deviated septum does not directly cause sleep apnoea, it can be a contributing factor. The nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum can make it more difficult to breathe during sleep, which can exacerbate or contribute to sleep apnoea symptoms. In some cases, treating the deviated septum through septoplasty can help improve sleep apnoea symptoms.
Further Reading about Nose Surgery with Dr. Guy Watts
- Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about Rhinoplasty for a Bulbous Nose
- Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about What is a Deviated Septum?
- Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about What is a Dorsal Hump?
- Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about How to Reduce Bruising after Rhinoplasty
- Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about Recovery after Nose Surgery
Medical References for Deviated Septum
Dr. Guy Watts
FRACS (Plas) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon In Perth WA
Dr. Guy Watts is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (AHPRA MED0001539378) with an extensive career that spans across renowned plastic surgery clinics worldwide. His experience has been honed through invaluable experiences at esteemed establishments such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the renowned Pitanguy Clinic in Brazil.
Having collaborated with the foremost cosmetic plastic surgeons on a global scale, Dr. Watts has chosen to return to Perth after a 17-year journey of intensive training and invaluable professional experience to bring the latest practices and technology in cosmetic plastic surgery to his patients.
Dr. Watts is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS).
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