Exploring whether a deviated septum can cause breathing problems in sleep apnea unveils a complex relationship between nasal obstructions and sleep quality. A deviated septum, a common condition where the nasal septum is displaced to one side, can potentially lead to breathing difficulties during sleep. This article delves into the medical insights that connect a deviated septum with sleep apnea, examining how this anatomical irregularity might impact your nighttime breathing and overall health. Stay with us as we uncover the potential link between these two conditions, offering a clearer understanding of the symptoms and possible treatment avenues.
What is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is a common physical disorder in which the nasal septum, the thin wall between the two nostrils, is displaced to one side. This displacement can vary significantly, from slight to severe, affecting nasal passage and airflow to the upper airway.
The septum deviation often occurs due to nasal structure anomalies, either from birth or a nose injury. This condition can lead to various respiratory and sleep issues, influencing overall health and quality of life.
The nasal septum is composed primarily of two materials: a front portion of flexible cartilage and a back portion of bone. Ideally, the septum sits centrally, creating equal-sized passages for air to move through. However, a deviated septum is off-center, either due to developmental issues as the nose grows or from injury to the nose.
Common Symptoms
A deviated septum can range from mild to severe based on how significantly the septum is deviated. Some people with a slight deviation may not experience any symptoms at all, while others with more significant deviations might have noticeable and bothersome symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially on one side.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Recurrent sinus infections.
- Dryness in one nostril.
- Noisy breathing during sleep can be particularly concerning for infants.
Can a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea? The Link Between Deviated Septum and Sleep Apnea
The septum deviation often occurs due to nasal structure anomalies, either from birth or a nose injury. This condition can lead to various respiratory and sleep issues, influencing overall health and quality of life.
Impact on Breathing: The misalignment of the nasal septum can block nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose. This condition is often more noticeable during a cold or allergy flare-up when chronic nasal congestion exacerbates the problem.
Relation to Sleep Apnea: While a deviated septum does not directly cause sleep apnea, it can contribute to the condition by worsening other symptoms, such as obstructive sleep apnea. The obstruction from a deviated septum might lead to frequent awakenings and reduced sleep quality due to disrupted breathing patterns.
Associated Symptoms: In addition to breathing difficulties, a deviated septum can increase the risk of sinus infections, contribute to snoring, and cause postnasal drip, facial pain, and noisy breathing during sleep.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea Caused by Nasal Obstruction
Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can be exacerbated by nasal obstruction, such as that caused by a deviated septum. Understanding the symptoms and the diagnostic process is crucial for effectively managing and treating sleep disorders. Here’s a closer look at how nasal obstruction influences sleep apnea and the steps involved in diagnosis:
Symptoms Indicative of Sleep Apnea due to Nasal Obstruction:
Snoring: Loud and chronic snoring is one of the most common symptoms accompanied with sleep apnea, which is exacerbated by nasal obstruction. The reduced air passage through the nose forces breathing through the mouth, which, combined with relaxed throat muscles during sleep, results in snoring.
Frequent Awakenings: Difficulty breathing through the nose can lead to frequent nocturnal awakenings or sleep disruptions, often occur with choking or gasping sensation as the airway reopens.
Daytime Fatigue: Poor quality sleep resulting from repeated awakenings can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, affecting concentration, mood, and overall daytime function.
Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing during sleep is a common sign of nasal obstruction and can indicate that the nasal passages are not allowing sufficient airflow.
Diagnostic Process for Sleep Apnea with Nasal Obstruction:
Physical Examination: An initial examination typically involves a physical inspection of the nasal cavity to assess the degree of nasal obstruction. An ENT specialist may examine the nasal septum for deviation and check for other structural issues that could restrict airflow.
Sleep History and Symptom Evaluation: Healthcare providers will often gather a detailed sleep history, which may involve input from a sleep partner or family member about the patient’s snoring, observed apneas, or sleep behavior.
Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This is the definitive test for diagnosing sleep apnea. Conducted in a sleep lab or at home, it records various physiological functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rhythm, and breathing patterns to confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea.
Nasal Endoscopy: In some cases, a nasal endoscopy might be performed to view the nasal passages deeper and identify any structural causes of airflow blockage.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea Associated with a Deviated Septum
When sleep apnea is associated with a deviated septum, addressing both conditions simultaneously is crucial for effective treatment and improved quality of life. Here’s an overview of the various treatment options available:
Surgical Options
- Septoplasty: This is a common surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. By straightening the nasal septum, septoplasty can enhance airflow through the nasal passages, potentially reducing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused by nasal blockages.
- Turbinate Reduction: Often performed with septoplasty, turbinate reduction involves reducing the size of the turbinates to help open up the nasal passages. This can alleviate nasal congestion and improve breathing during sleep.
- Nasal Valve Surgery: The nasal valve area might also contribute to airflow restriction for some patients. Surgery to widen this area can further improve nasal breathing and complement the benefits of septoplasty.
Non-Surgical Options
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The most used therapy for moderate to severe sleep apnea cases, CPAP uses a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep. The pressure keeps the airway open, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea. CPAP therapy can be particularly effective if combined with surgery to correct a deviated septum.
- Oral Appliances: Oral appliances made to keep the throat open may be recommended for milder cases of sleep apnea or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. These appliances can help advance the position of the jaw or tongue to improve airway openness during sleep.
Lifestyle Changes and Adjunct Treatments
- Weight Management: Losing body weight can decrease the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. Even a small amount of weight loss can open the throat and improve symptoms.
- Positional Therapy: Some people experience sleep apnea symptoms more when sleeping on their back. Positional therapy involves strategies to keep the person sleeping on their side to help keep the airway open.
- Allergy Management: For those with allergies, managing these can also help relieve nasal congestion and improve airflow, complementing other treatments for sleep apnea.
Long-term Management
- Regular Monitoring: After treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, regular follow-up with your doctor is necessary to monitor the effect of the treatment and make adjustments as necessary.
- Sleep Studies: Post-treatment sleep studies can assess the success of the treatment and help guide further interventions.
In conclusion, while a deviated septum can contribute to breathing difficulties during sleep, its direct role in causing sleep apnea requires careful consideration. Addressing a deviated septum through medical intervention may alleviate some sleep apnea symptoms if nasal blockage is a significant factor. For those experiencing sleep apnea-related disruptions, it’s essential to consult with Melbourne Dental Sleep Clinic to determine the best treatment path that addresses both the severity of the septal deviation and the symptoms of sleep apnea.
References
Association between septal deviation and OSA diagnoses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8494085/
Deviated Septum: Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16924-deviated-septum
Deviated Septum: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Risks
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/deviated-septum
Deviated Septum and Sleep Apnea: How the Two Correlate
https://www.cpap.com/blog/deviated-septum-and-sleep-apnea/
Sleep apnea – Symptoms and causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
