Deviated septum symptoms are often mistaken for typical respiratory issues

You could have a deviated septum and not even know it. In fact, according to the WebMD website, about 80 percent of the population unknowingly has something wrong with their septums. Those who are dealing with deviated septum symptoms should see their doctors to potentially find relief.

Symptoms

This condition causes many different side effects, with perhaps the most serious being sleep apnea. This ailment occurs when a person is sleeping, and can actually cause him or her to stop breathing. As you might imagine, this is a problem that needs to be treated immediately.

Other indications that you may be suffering from this ailment include chronic congestion. This congestion often occurs because one of the passages is either partially or completely blocked, making breathing quite difficult. Sinus infections occur frequently because of blocked mucus in your nose, along with nosebleeds. Additionally, facial pains, headaches and snoring issues are also signs that you may be living with this condition.

About Deviated Septums

The septum is the piece of bone and cartilage in the center of your nose that divides the nasal cavity in half. In a normal nose, the septum is located directly in the center and creates two equal breathing cavities.

When a septum is deviated, or off-center, it causes one of the passages to be of a different size than the other. These two different sizes causes a host of breathing issues, which is why many who suffer from it experience from infections and trouble inhaling and exhaling.

Many who have this issue don’t even know it, as a majority of people have imbalances in their naval cavities as a result of a septums that are misaligned.

Causes

This condition is one that often people are born with. They may notice its effects at a young age, or may not realize they have this problem until later in life when it creates breathing difficulties, infection or pain.

Sustaining injury or trauma to the nose can also cause this problem. Getting hit in the nose or having it break can certainly alter the position of the septum and cause it to become off-center. If you begin to experience the side effects of this condition, you should see your doctor, as you could potentially have it because of the trauma.

Treatment

Treatment for this condition can range from mild to serious, depending on the types of problems it causes. If you prefer a natural approach, you might want to try nasal irrigation. Using water or saline, you can flush out congestion or irritants, and may be able to relieve your symptoms without the use of medication.

If that doesn’t work for you, antihistamines and decongestants are often prescribed when the issue cause stuffiness and infection. Taking these medications may clear up your passages, and allow you to better breathe, and not experience the headaches and infections.
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Your doctor may also prescribe nasal steroid sprays which can decrease the inflammation in your passages, which can make breathing easier. This treatment can also stop your nose from running

If medications don’t seem like the right path for you, you may also choose to investigate natural remedies for sinus issues. Homeopathic treatments provide a more gentle alternative to over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Do consult with an herbalist or natural healer before choosing your homeopthatic treatments. .

If nosebleeds and sleep apnea occur as a result of this condition, your doctor may recommended surgery called septoplasty. During this procedure, the doctor repositions your septum so that it is located in the center of your nose. Afterwards, the doctor may perform a rhinoplasty to enhance the appearance of your nose, as it could possibly take on a new shape with the septoplasty. 

Afterwards, you should be able to breathe better and not suffer through all the side effects this condition brings. Additionally, your nose may even look more attractive than before as a result.

You don’t have to life with the pain and discomfort this condition can cause. Instead of suffering through them, you should consult your doctor if you believe you are experiencing deviated septum symptoms. Through medications and potentially surgery, you could improve your quality of life and learn to breathe easy.

Resources:

WebMD: Deviated Septum

Mayo Clinic: Deviated Septum