Does a Deviated Septum cause Sleep Apnea? Steps For you to Sleep Easier.

Is it difficult to rest easy with a deviated septum? 

Whether you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with a deviated septum, we’re here to offer you some truths and if it causes or correlates to sleep apnea.

What is a Deviated Septum?

Do you, or anybody you live with, wake up frequently due to issues breathing well during the night? If so, this is a primary symptom of a deviated septum. 

Doctors state that a deviated septum can cause obstructive sleep apnea due to a collapse or block in the airways. Specifically, nasal passages tend to be blocked during the night. 

The septum is a piece of bone and cartilage that divides the nose in two. Looking straight forward, this dividing line should be even on both sides. However, events such as sustaining an impact to the face may cause the septum to become crooked or “deviate”. 

Other factors of a deviated septum include:

• A noticeable obstruction of either (or both) nostrils
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Noisier breathing or snoring while sleeping
• Overawarenss of the nasal cavity when breathing shifts from one nostril to the other
• Only sleeping on one particular side

Ensure to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms related to a deviated septum. 

Can a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea?

People with a deviated septum tend to breathe through their mouths at night due to a partially blocked nasal passage. Continuous mouth breathing can contribute to sleep apnea. 

However, there’s some debate about whether a deviated septum causes sleep apnea. It’s important to note that not everyone with a deviated septum has sleep apnea. Nevertheless, those with a deviated septum have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea later.  

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder. It’s defined as getting a lack of oxygen during sleep and can be caused by throat muscles or the brain not sending the correct signals to the lungs or throat to breathe. 

If you or a loved one is waking up or snoring throughout the night due to breathing difficulties, there could be another reason for your sleep apnea. Getting a proper diagnosis first from your doctor is imperative to moving with any treatment options.

Treatment Options: Deviated Septum and Sleep Apnea

The good news is the majority of people with deviated septums do not require any treatment. If your symptoms however are becoming more frequent and/or severe, speak with your doctor about the best treatment options available. 

Trying over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants is the first step if you have discomfort during sleep. This will help reduce any swelling in your nasal passages. Another economic option is using an adhesive nasal strip that helps keep your nasal passages open. 

Your doctor may recommend a surgery called a septoplasty. This allows doctors to open the nasal cavity and cut the septum into a proper place. Again, a prompt diagnosis by your doctor is important so you can receive the best treatment for your unique situation. 

If your sleep issues persist, your doctor may test you to see if you have sleep apnea. This sleep test is called Nocturnal Polysomnography or a Home Sleep test. 

If you are later diagnosed with sleep apnea, you don’t have to live with chronic sleep difficulties. Thankfully there are treatment options available for you. State-of-the-art CPAP machines for home and travel are readily available and can even be delivered to your door.