Do you suffer from loud snoring or persistent nasal congestion? Although age or weight are frequently linked to sleep apnea, many individuals fail to consider a deviated septum as an unexpected cause. This frequent nasal issue may contribute significantly to sleep-disordered breathing in addition to making breathing difficult.
What is a Deviated Septum?
The thin bone and cartilage wall that divides your nostrils is called the nasal septum. When this structure is crooked or misplaced, it is called a deviated septum. This is frequently caused by:
- Genetics (existing since birth)
- Trauma (fractured nose from an accident or injury)
- Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
- Nasal congestion (one side more blocked than the other)
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent sinus infections
- Noisy snoring
- Bleeding noses
- Recurring sinus infections
The Impact of a Deviated Septum on Sleep and Breathing
You must breathe via your mouth because a deviated septum inhibits airflow, especially at night. This may result in:
- Improved snoring
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Dry throat and tongue
- Exhaustion and excessive daytime drowsiness
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and a Deviated Septum
Obstructive sleep apnea, often known as OSA, is caused by a clogged airway, whereas central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to send signals for breathing. Not usually the sole cause, but a deviated septum can worsen existing sleep apnea by increasing airway resistance.
A severely deviated septum may contribute to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), a milder form of sleep-disordered breathing.
Here’s how it aggravates sleep apnea:
- Nasal Obstruction: Forces mouth breathing, which can collapse the airway more easily
- Increased Snoring: The airway may become even more constricted due to vibrations in the throat
- Poor Sleep Quality: Sleep fragmentation exacerbates the symptoms of apnea
Research indicates that while septoplasty, or the correction of a deviated septum, can help some people with their sleep apnea, it is never a cure for the condition unless it is used in conjunction with other therapies.
How Can You Find Out If Your Sleep Apnea is Due to a Deviated Septum?
Consult a sleep doctor if you think your sleep is being affected by a deviated septum. They could suggest:
- Physical Examination: Nasal endoscopy to verify the alignment of the septum.
- Polysomnography (Sleep Studies): Verifies the presence and severity of sleep apnea.
- MRI or CT scans: Offer fine-grained pictures of the anatomy of the nose and airways.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea. It uses a mask to provide constant airflow. Moreover, it prevents breathing pauses by maintaining open airways while you sleep. After various therapies have improved nasal patency, CPAP is frequently more successful for people with a deviated septum.
Summing Up!
A deviated septum can exacerbate breathing issues and make pre-existing apnea more difficult to treat, although they seldom result in full-blown sleep apnea on their own. If you think your nasal anatomy is interfering with your sleep, have an expert examine you to determine the best course of action.
If you require assistance regarding sleep apnea, consult our expert, Dr. Ayesha Muzaffar, at iCare4Smiles of Piscataway. Our doctor has over 10 years of experience and has completed 600+ hours of continuing education to stay updated on the latest advancements in dentistry. Call us at (732) 800-9524 to book an appointment.