The Dangers of a Severely Deviated Septum

Breathing is something most people take for granted. But for some people, this essential bodily function can be a daily struggle.

If you’re battling constant nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, or difficulty breathing, you might be dealing with a deviated septum.

A minor deviated septum might not be noticeable, but a severely deviated septum can significantly affect your quality of life, leading to different health issues if left untreated.

At Advanced Specialty Associates in Baxter and The Village at Mendota Heights, Minnesota, our ENT providers specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like deviated septums. 

Our team uses the latest techniques and treatments designed to address your specific needs and concerns.

Ready to learn why a severely deviated septum is dangerous to your health? Keep reading to learn what you need to know and how we can help you breathe easier.

What is a deviated septum?

A deviated septum is when the thin wall, or nasal septum, between your nasal passages is displaced to one side.

This can happen for various reasons, such as a congenital condition, injury, connective tissues disorders, or trauma to your nose.

Symptoms of a deviated septum include:

• Persistent congestion, particularly on one side
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Chronic sinus infections
• Snoring or sleep apnea

While a slight deviation is common and often harmless, a severe deviation can block one side of your nose and reduce airflow, making breathing difficult.

When is a deviated septum dangerous?

A severely deviated septum can lead to a range of health problems beyond just nasal congestion. Understanding these dangers is crucial for recognizing when to seek treatment.

Here’s a look at some of the common health issues that can develop with a severely deviated septum:

Chronic sinus infections

One of the most common complications of a severely deviated septum is chronic sinus infections.

The obstruction caused by the deviated septum prevents proper drainage of your sinuses, leading to repeated infections.

These infections can cause pain, pressure, and swelling in your face. If left untreated, you may even need surgical intervention to address the problem.

Sleep disorders

A severely deviated septum can contribute to sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. 

Obstructive sleep apnea develops when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. This causes you to stop and start breathing repeatedly. 

Sleep apnea can lead to severe health issues, including high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems, and chronic fatigue.

Breathing difficulties

Difficulty breathing is a significant concern for people with a severely deviated septum. 

Reduced airflow can lead to a constant feeling of shortness of breath, which can affect your ability to participate in physical activities and your overall quality of life.

In some cases, it may even cause a chronic dry mouth from excessive mouth breathing, which increases your risk of oral health issues.

What should I do if I’m worried about a deviated septum?

If you suspect you have a deviated septum, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. 

An ENT provider at Advanced Specialty Associates can diagnose your condition through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as a CT scan. 

Depending on the severity of your septum’s deviation, different treatments can help ease symptoms and improve your breathing. Here’s a closer look:

Nonsurgical treatments

For mild cases, nonsurgical treatments may be sufficient. These can include:

• Nasal steroids to reduce inflammation and improve airflow
• Decongestants to help reduce nasal tissue swelling and ease congestion
• Antihistamines, if allergies contribute to your symptoms
• RhinAer®, a noninvasive treatment that targets the overactive nerves in the nasal cavity

If a nonsurgical treatment is best for you, your provider reviews your options and answers any questions or concerns you may have. 

Minimally invasive and surgical treatments

In more severe cases, minimally invasive or surgical intervention might be necessary to correct your deviated septum. Some of the common of these treatments include:

• Septoplasty, to straighten your nasal septum by trimming, repositioning, and replacing cartilage or bone
• Rhinoplasty, to reshape your nose for both functional and aesthetic improvements, if desired
• Minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty to open blocked sinuses, reducing the risk of infections, and improve drainage
• Minimally invasive VivAer®, using radio-frequency energy to gently reshape your nasal tissues, improving airflow and reducing nasal obstruction

If you’ve had previous sinus surgery, your Advanced Specialty Associates provider may recommend Sinuva®.

This steroid-eluting sinus implant is used to treat nasal polyps in patients who’ve had sinus surgery in the past, but it can also help reduce nasal obstruction and improve breathing for those with deviated septums.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a severely deviated septum, schedule an appointment with an ENT provider at Advanced Specialty Associates in Baxter or The Village at Mendota Heights, Minnesota, and get the personalized help you deserve.