Deviated Septum and Sinusitis
Finding deviated septum relief
To better understand the relationship between a deviated septum and sinusitis, it’s important to understand what the nasal septum is. The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage that separates your left nostril from your right. For various reasons, the nasal septum can become crooked, which increases your chance of experiencing sinus issues, as well as the likelihood that you’ll be seeking deviated septum relief.
Deviated septum causes
There are three leading causes of a deviated nasal septum:
- Natural: many people are born with a deviated septum and may have been living with a deviated septum their whole life.
- Nose injury or broken nose: the nose can be injured during childbirth, sports, car accidents, etc., all of which can result in a deviated nasal septum
- Age: A deviated nasal septum can grow worse as the body ages. While the deviated septum might not cause any issues by itself, inflammation of the nasal passages may create a full nasal obstruction.
Deviated septum symptoms
Some of the most frequent questions we receive about deviated septum relief include, “How do you know if you have a deviated septum?” and “Can a deviated septum cause sinus infections?”
Interestingly, some people never know they have a deviated septum and sinusitis. Others may be aware of it from very early on. So yes, unfortunately, having a deviated septum increases the chances that you’ll have sinusitis and other chronic sinus problems.
Nasal septum symptoms include:
- Recurrent or prolonged sinus infections
- Nasal congestion and obstruction
- Facial pain
- Postnasal drip
- Difficulty breathing
- Sleep apnea in severe cases (read more on sinusitis and sleep apnea)
- Nosebleeds
- Deviated septum headaches (especially if coupled with sinusitis)
- Snoring (in particular, sinus snoring, if combined with sinusitis)
It’s been noted that some people with a deviated nasal septum prefer sleeping on one side over the other, so they can more easily breathe from the clearer nasal passage. This preference is often augmented in people who have both a deviated septum and sinusitis.
Septoplasty: deviated nasal septum treatment options
Can you fix a deviated septum? With deviated nasal septum surgery, known as septoplasty, it is possible for a doctor to straighten the septum. During this surgical procedure, your physician will move the septum into the correct position and remove any excess bone or cartilage that would block the airway. Most individuals recover from deviated septum surgery within a few short weeks.
If you’re seeking deviated septum relief from both a deviated septum and sinusitis, your physician may recommend balloon sinuplasty. Find out more on our “What is balloon sinuplasty?” page. And take the time to research how to treat chronic sinusitis, so you’re aware of all your options.
Patients wanting a deviated septum treatment without surgery should consult their doctors.
Deviated Septum Relief at Sinus Solutions of South Florida
Dr. Bequer is an ear, nose, and throat specialist operating in the Tampa and West Palm Beach areas. With decades of experience, he and the staff at Sinus Solutions of South Florida will work with you to get the deviated nasal septum treatment and relief that you deserve.
Whether you need septoplasty, balloon sinuplasty, or another sinus surgery, we have your sinus solutions. Call Sinus Solutions of South Florida at 561-790-7744 and request a consultation today.
Further Reading on Sinusitis