Colin Snow
A deviated septum is a common condition, affecting around 70% to 80% of people worldwide, though many are unaware of it. It occurs when the nasal septum, the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nostrils, is severely uneven, causing breathing difficulties and other health issues. While a mild deviation may not cause noticeable problems, a more severe case can lead to nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, snoring, and disturbed sleep. To improve sleep quality, treatments such as septoplasty surgery, adhesive strips, and medication can help alleviate symptoms and enhance breathing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Surgery, medication, adhesive strips |
| Surgery | Septoplasty |
| Medication | Decongestants, antihistamines, nasal steroids |
| Symptoms | Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, facial pain, noisy breathing, headaches |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, endoscopy, imaging tests (CT scan) |
| Causes | Genetics, facial injuries, aging, allergies, sinusitis |
| Sleep tips | Use nasal saline irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, hypoallergenic tape to prevent jaw drop |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep on your side
If you have a deviated septum, sleeping on your side can help to optimise breathing through your nose at night. This is because a deviated septum can cause a blockage of one or both nostrils, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. By sleeping on your side, you can help to open up the nasal passages and improve airflow.
Sleeping on your side is a simple and effective way to improve your breathing and get a better night's rest if you have a deviated septum. It is important to find a comfortable position that allows you to breathe easily. You may need to experiment with different sleeping positions to find the one that works best for you. Try sleeping on your left side, then your right, and pay attention to how your breathing is affected. You may find that one side helps you breathe more easily than the other.
Sleeping on your side can also help to reduce congestion and minimise sinus issues. If you are congested, lying on your side can encourage drainage and help to clear your nasal passages. This can be especially beneficial if you are experiencing allergies or have a cold. Sleeping on your side can also help to reduce snoring, which is a common issue for people with deviated septums.
In addition to sleeping on your side, there are other things you can do to improve your breathing and sleep quality if you have a deviated septum. For example, you can try using a humidifier or nasal saline irrigation to moisten the air and help clear your nasal passages. You can also talk to your doctor about medication options, such as decongestants or nasal steroid sprays, which can help to reduce swelling and improve airflow.
If your deviated septum is severe or causing significant breathing difficulties, surgery may be an option. A septoplasty is a common surgical procedure that can correct the alignment of the septum, improving breathing and reducing sinus issues. However, surgery may not be necessary for everyone, and there are many non-invasive ways to improve your sleep quality if you have a deviated septum, such as sleeping on your side.
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Use nasal strips
A deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties, especially during sleep. Nasal strips, also known as nasal dilator strips, nasal congestion strips, external nasal dilators, nose patches, or nose tape, can be used to alleviate this issue. Here are some tips for using nasal strips effectively:
Choosing the Right Nasal Strips
Select nasal strips that are designed for human skin and won't irritate your skin. Look for strips that contain adhesive on one side and have elastic bands embedded in them. You can also explore options like bandage tape or products specifically designed for sensitive skin. Reusable nasal dilators are another option, and they come in different sizes to ensure a comfortable fit.
Preparing Your Nose
Before applying the nasal strip, it is essential to prepare your nose to ensure optimal adhesion. Gently scrub your nose with a soft cloth to remove any loose skin, oils, or dirt that may interfere with the adhesive. This extra step will help you get more use out of each strip.
Applying the Nasal Strip
Apply the nasal strip along the bridge of your nose, similar to how you would apply a band-aid. The adhesive side should be in contact with your skin. Once in place, the elastic bands will work to straighten out, lift the sides of your nose, and gently pull your nostrils apart, effectively opening your nasal passages and improving airflow.
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While nasal strips can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of a deviated septum. If you are seeking a more permanent solution, consider consulting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to explore options like septoplasty surgery, which can correct the alignment of the septum and provide long-lasting improvement in breathing and sinus issues.
Combining Solutions
You can also combine nasal strips with other remedies to enhance your sleep quality. For example, internal nasal dilators, such as Max-Air Nose Cones, can be used alongside nasal strips to gently open the nasal airway and provide instant relief without surgery.
Using nasal strips is a simple and effective way to improve your breathing and sleep quality if you have a deviated septum. However, for more permanent solutions, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can advise you on the most suitable treatment options for your specific condition.
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Try decongestants
If you have a deviated septum, you may experience nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, and a blocked nose. Decongestants can help reduce nasal tissue swelling and keep your airways open, improving your breathing and sleep quality.
Decongestants are often the first treatment option for a deviated septum, as they can effectively manage symptoms. They work by reducing swelling in the nasal cavity, allowing for better drainage and easier breathing. This can help you breathe more easily during sleep and reduce snoring, which can develop into obstructive sleep apnea if left unaddressed.
You can obtain decongestants over the counter at a pharmacy, and they come in various forms, including tablets, liquids, nasal drops, and sprays. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided with the medication to avoid potential side effects and dependency. Additionally, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications to ensure safe use.
While decongestants can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying condition of a deviated septum. For a more permanent solution, surgery, known as septoplasty, may be required to correct the alignment of the septum and improve breathing. However, surgery may not be suitable for everyone, and other treatment options, such as adhesive strips to keep nasal passages open, are also available.
In addition to decongestants, other medications, such as nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines, can also help manage symptoms associated with a deviated septum, especially if allergies are a contributing factor. It is recommended to consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist to accurately diagnose the severity of your deviated septum and determine the most appropriate treatment options for your specific needs.
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Consider surgery
If you have a deviated septum that is affecting your sleep, you may want to consider surgery. While most deviated septums don't require treatment, if you are experiencing constant nosebleeds, sinus infections, or severe breathing difficulties, surgery may be an option to explore.
Septoplasty Surgery
Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure that corrects the septum's alignment, improving breathing and reducing sinus issues. It involves making a small incision in the tissue lining the septum and straightening or repositioning the deviated section to maximize airflow through the nasal passages. This procedure is usually performed by an otolaryngologist, a specialist in head and neck surgery, or a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
The surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting, allowing you to return home on the same day. Surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, and general anesthesia is often administered. You may feel groggy afterward, so it is recommended to have someone accompany you home.
Recovery Process
The recovery process typically includes rest and avoiding strenuous activities. It is important to follow the prescribed care instructions to ensure proper healing. While the side effects of septoplasty are generally minor, it is essential to discuss them with your doctor before the procedure.
Combination Procedures
In some cases, septoplasty may be performed in combination with other procedures, such as sinus surgery or septorhinoplasty, especially if there are structural abnormalities or injuries that have displaced the septum. These complex procedures may require collaboration between a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an otolaryngologist to provide the best care.
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Reduce congestion
A deviated septum can cause congestion, especially on one side, due to the nasal septum being crooked or off-centre, leading to a blocked nose and difficulty breathing. This can be further exacerbated by a cold, allergies, or infections.
To reduce congestion, there are a few options:
- Nasal steroid sprays can help decrease swelling in the nasal cavity, allowing for the clear passage of air.
- Decongestants can also be used to reduce nasal tissue swelling and keep airways open. However, it is important to carefully follow the directions when using decongestants as they can cause dependency and side effects.
- Using nasal saline irrigation with a squeeze bottle or neti pot can help to naturally cleanse the nose and nasal cavity, reducing congestion.
- Surgery, called septoplasty, can correct the septum's alignment, improving breathing and reducing congestion. During this procedure, an incision is made in the septum, and the nasal bone and cartilage are straightened to enable equal breathing from both nostrils.
- Adhesive strips can be used to keep nasal passages open.
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Frequently asked questions
A deviated septum is when the nasal septum, the wall that separates the nostrils, is crooked or off-center. This can cause one nasal passage to be smaller than the other, reducing airflow and causing difficulty breathing.
Many people with a deviated septum do not experience any symptoms. However, some common symptoms include nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, recurrent sinus infections, facial pain, noisy breathing during sleep, and headaches.
A deviated septum can cause difficulty breathing and congestion, which can disrupt sleep. To improve your sleep, try using a nasal steroid spray to reduce swelling and congestion and allow for clearer breathing. You can also try flushing your nasal passages with saline irrigation using a squeeze bottle or neti pot.
Most deviated septums do not require treatment. However, if you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, or other severe symptoms, you may want to consider surgery (septoplasty) to correct the alignment of the septum and improve breathing. Other treatment options include adhesive strips to keep nasal passages open and medication to manage symptoms, such as decongestants and antihistamines.
If you are experiencing any nasal symptoms or are concerned about the appearance of your nose, talk to your doctor or an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. They can examine your nose and determine if you have a deviated septum.
