Common Symptoms and Signs of a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is a condition where the thin wall (nasal septum) separating your two nostrils is displaced or shifted to one side. This common condition affects millions of people worldwide and can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect the quality of life. While some people may have a deviated septum without experiencing any symptoms, others may suffer from chronic nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, and difficulty breathing. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms and signs of a deviated septum early to seek treatment promptly. In this blog post, we will explore the most common symptoms and signs of a deviated septum and what you can do to manage them. Let’s get started.

Obstruction of One or Both Nostrils

One of the most noticeable symptoms of a deviated septum is the obstruction of one or both nostrils. A deviated septum can cause an imbalance in airflow, making it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils. This can lead to chronic nasal congestion, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in daily activities such as sleeping, eating, and exercising.

People with a deviated septum may also experience difficulty breathing through their nose, leading to a preference for mouth breathing. One way of solving this issue is to use a breathing device, such as a nasal dilator or decongestant. For instance, you can consider using a Hale breathing device for a deviated septum to help open your nasal passages and allow for easier breathing. Ensure that the device is properly fitted for optimal results.

Frequent Nosebleeds

Another symptom of a deviated septum is frequent nosebleeds. The displacement of the nasal septum can cause dryness and irritation of the nasal passages, leading to bleeding. When the blood vessels in the nasal cavity become dry and fragile, they can easily break and cause nosebleeds. Frequent nosebleeds can be uncomfortable and may occur spontaneously, making it challenging to manage.

People with a deviated septum may also experience more severe nosebleeds during cold and flu season or when the weather is dry. If you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds, it’s essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.

Noisy Breathing While Sleeping

A deviated septum can also cause noisy breathing while sleeping, such as snoring. The displacement of the nasal septum can make it difficult for air to pass through the nasal passages smoothly, leading to vibrations in the throat that cause snoring. Snoring can be disruptive to both the snorer and their sleeping partner, leading to poor quality sleep and fatigue during the day.

In severe cases, snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. If you or your partner are experiencing noisy breathing while sleeping, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Facial Pain

Facial pain is another common symptom of a deviated septum. The displacement of the nasal septum can cause pressure on the surrounding tissues, leading to pain and discomfort in the face. This pain can be localized to the nose or can radiate to the cheeks, forehead, and teeth. In some cases, a deviated septum can also cause headaches, especially if the obstruction is causing difficulty breathing through the nose.

Facial pain can be debilitating and can affect daily activities such as work, exercise, and socializing. If you’re experiencing facial pain, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

A feeling of Fullness

A feeling of fullness in the nose is another symptom of a deviated septum. The displacement of the nasal septum can cause an obstruction in the nasal passages, leading to a feeling of congestion and fullness. This feeling can be persistent and can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, leading to mouth breathing and dryness of the throat.

In some cases, the feeling of fullness can also cause discomfort or pain in the nose. If you’re experiencing a feeling of fullness in the nose, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Preference for Sleeping on a Particular Side

A deviated septum can also cause a preference for sleeping on a particular side. The displacement of the nasal septum can make it difficult to breathe through one nostril, leading to a preference for sleeping on the opposite side. This can be uncomfortable and may disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue during the day.

In some cases, a preference for sleeping on a particular side can also cause neck and shoulder pain. If you’re experiencing a preference for sleeping on a particular side, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

A deviated septum can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect the quality of life. From chronic nasal congestion to frequent nosebleeds and facial pain, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a deviated septum early to seek treatment promptly. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. With the right treatment, you can manage the symptoms of a deviated septum and improve your quality of life.