What Happens If You Don’t Fix Deviated Septum
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Deviated Septum A deviated septum, a common physical disorder of the nose, involves displacement of the nasal septum. While some people are born with this condition, others may acquire it due to an injury to the nose. Although a slight deviation in the septum is normal, severe cases can lead to significant health issues.
The main concern around not treating a deviated septum is the potential complications it can cause over time.
These include breathing difficulties, recurring sinus infections, sleep disturbances, facial pain, and snoring. Such complications can then impact one’s overall quality of life. Therefore, understanding these consequences is essential for those living with this condition and considering whether or not to seek treatment.
Breathing Difficulties
A deviated septum can significantly impact the way you breathe, leading to chronic breathing difficulties. The problem arises from the misalignment of the nasal septum, which divides your nasal cavity into two parts. When this wall shifts away from the center, it can obstruct one or both nostrils. This obstruction disrupts the normal flow of air through your nose, making it harder for you to breathe freely. As a result, you may experience a constant feeling of having a blocked nose.
This condition can also lead to symptoms such as congestion and shortness of breath. Congestion occurs when the airflow is partially blocked due to the deviated septum. This feeling of having a ‘stuffed’ nose can be particularly bothersome during a cold or an allergic reaction when the nasal passages are already swollen and inflamed. On the other hand, shortness of breath results from the reduced airflow into your lungs due to the blockage in your nostrils. You may find yourself struggling to get enough air, especially during physical activities.
Notably, these chronic breathing difficulties can negatively impact your overall quality of life. Regular activities like exercising or even sleeping can become challenging due to the constant struggle for breath. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, decreased activity levels, and general frustration. In severe cases, a deviated septum could even lead to hypoxia – a condition where inadequate oxygen reaches your tissues and organs. Therefore, if you’ve been experiencing persistent breathing difficulties, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who might diagnose a deviated septum as the underlying cause.
Sinus Infections
One of the more troublesome complications that can arise from a deviated septum is an increased susceptibility to sinus infections. Sinuses are small, air-filled cavities located within the bones of your face and skull. They produce mucus, a fluid that helps to moisten the inside of your nose, trap dust and bacteria, and protect your respiratory system. However, when the septum is deviated, it can disrupt the normal drainage of mucus from these sinuses.
When mucus cannot drain properly, it can accumulate in the sinuses and create a stagnant environment. This buildup of fluid then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. The presence of these diseasecausing agents can trigger an infection in the lining of your sinuses, a condition known as sinusitis. This results in inflammation and swelling that further obstructs the mucus drainage, creating a vicious cycle.
The symptoms of sinus infections extend beyond just nasal congestion. They often include facial pain or pressure felt in the area of the affected sinuses – usually around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. Additionally, you may experience symptoms typically associated with a common cold, such as a runny nose or sore throat. However, unlike a common cold that tends to resolve within a week or two, sinusitis can persist for several weeks if left untreated. Recurring episodes of sinusitis could be an indication of a deviated septum being at fault. It’s crucial to seek medical advice if you are experiencing persistent or recurrent sinus infections to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment approach.
Sleep Disturbances and Snoring
A deviated septum can disrupt your sleep in more ways than one, leading to sleep disturbances and snoring. The nasal obstruction caused by the deviation prevents the free flow of air through your nostrils while you sleep. This difficulty in breathing can interrupt your sleep cycle, causing frequent awakenings throughout the night. These sleep interruptions can leave you feeling tired and unrefreshed in the morning, despite having spent adequate time in bed.
Moreover, a severely deviated septum can lead to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. This is a serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to complete or partial blockage of the upper airway, often caused by the relaxation of throat muscles. However, in cases related to a deviated septum, it’s the physical obstruction that leads to these episodes of interrupted breathing. It’s important to note that untreated sleep apnea can have serious implications for your heart and overall health.
The restricted airflow resulting from a deviated septum can also lead to snoring. When you breathe through a blocked nose, it forces the air to move faster through the smaller available space. This fast-moving air causes soft tissues in your throat and nasal passages to vibrate, producing the sound we recognize as snoring. While snoring itself might seem like little more than an annoyance, it could be indicative of a deeper issue such as a deviated septum or sleep apnea. Therefore, if you experience persistent sleep disturbances or loud snoring, it would be beneficial to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider.
Facial Pain
A deviated septum can be a source of continued discomfort, manifesting as facial pain that can affect your everyday life. The misalignment of the septum can create an imbalance in the nasal cavity. This means one side may become narrower, while the other becomes wider. Such a shift can put pressure on the surrounding structures of the nose, including the nasal bones and turbinates – small structures within your nose that help filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe.
The pressure exerted by the deviated septum on these nasal structures can result in chronic facial pain. This pain is typically localized around the nose and under the eyes where the sinuses are located. It can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, intense sensation that worsens with certain movements or changes in body position. For instance, lying down or bending over may intensify the pain due to shifts in sinus pressure.
Beyond localized facial pain, a deviated septum can also cause headaches and a feeling of heaviness in the face. The persistent pressure on nasal structures often leads to tension headaches characterized by a constant dull, achy feeling on both sides of the head. Similarly, the blocked airflow can contribute to a sense of fullness or pressure in your face, often described as facial heaviness. These symptoms can add to your discomfort and further impact your quality of life. Therefore, if you experience persistent facial pain along with other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or recurring sinus infections, it may indicate that you have a
deviated septum. In such cases, seeking medical help is crucial to address these issues effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a deviated septum fix itself over time?
No, a deviated septum cannot fix itself. It is a structural issue that typically requires medical intervention to correct. While some mild deviations may not cause significant symptoms and may go unnoticed, a severe deviation would require appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve nasal function.
Will insurance cover the treatment for a deviated septum?
Insurance coverage for deviated septum treatment varies depending on the specific insurance plan. It is best to consult your insurance company to understand the coverage criteria and requirements related to the treatment of a deviated septum. They will be able to provide you with accurate information regarding the extent of coverage available under your plan.
What are the treatment options for a deviated septum?
Treatment options for a deviated septum may include various approaches based on the severity of the deviation and individual circumstances. Non- surgical options include medications to manage symptoms like congestion or inflammation, as well as nasal dilators or strips that may help improve airflow. Surgical correction through a procedure called septoplasty is another option, where the surgeon reshapes or repositions the septum to restore proper alignment and alleviate symptoms.
How long does it take to recover from septoplasty surgery?
Recovery time after septoplasty can vary from person to person. Typically, it takes about one to two weeks to recover fully from the procedure. Initially, there may be some swelling, congestion, and discomfort in the nose. The surgeon will provide post- operative instructions, including guidelines for pain management and care of your nasal passages during the healing process.
Are there any risks associated with septoplasty surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved with septoplasty. These risks include bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, changes in nasal shape or sensation, and in rare cases, a recurrence of the deviation. It is important to thoroughly discuss the potential risks and benefits with your surgeon before deciding on septoplasty as a treatment option.
