Can a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea? Here’s What You Need to Know

Millions of people around the globe struggle with sleep apnea, a condition that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. But could something as seemingly unrelated as the shape of your nasal septum—the thin wall that separates your nostrils—contribute to these nightly breathing problems? If you’ve been waking up tired, snoring excessively, or simply frustrated by breathing obstructions, this blog will help clarify the link between a deviated septum and sleep apnea.

Not sure if your nasal issues might be contributing to poor-quality sleep? Read on—we’ll walk through what you need to know about deviated septums, sleep apnea, and the solutions available to help you breathe easier at night and rest well.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing your nasal cavity is shifted to one side. This misalignment can make one nasal passage narrower than the other, potentially causing issues such as difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, or snoring.

Common Causes of a Deviated Septum

• Congenital conditions: Some people are born with a deviated septum due to natural variations in anatomy or birth trauma.
• Nasal trauma: Injuries like a broken nose from contact sports, accidents, or falls can push the septum out of place.
• Gradual growth changes: During childhood or adolescence, the nose can develop asymmetrically, leading to septal deviation.

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

• Breathing difficulty in one or both nostrils
• Frequent nasal congestion
• Loud snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Chronic sinus infections
• Nosebleeds
• Preference for sleeping on one particular side for ease of breathing

Diagnosing a deviated septum is usually straightforward. ENT specialists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) perform physical exams to visually assess the septum. Sometimes, imaging tests like CT scans are used for a closer look.

What Is Sleep Apnea and How Does It Affect the Body?

Sleep apnea, specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the upper airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, leading to breathing pauses. These interruptions lower oxygen levels and cause fragmented sleep as your body awakens briefly to restore airflow.

Hallmark Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating

The Serious Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea doesn’t just disturb sleep—it carries significant health risks. Left untreated, OSA can contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and decreased quality of life.

Can a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea?

The short answer is no—a deviated septum alone does not cause sleep apnea. However, research shows that it can exacerbate existing breathing problems that worsen sleep apnea symptoms.

How They’re Connected

Severe septal deviation increases nasal airflow resistance, which means your body works harder to pull air through obstructed nasal passages. This difficulty often leads to mouth breathing, a key contributor to both snoring and poor-quality sleep. For those already predisposed to OSA due to factors like obesity or enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum can amplify their airway struggles at night.

According to a 9-year follow-up study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, patients with a deviated septum had a 4.4 times higher risk of developing sleep apnea compared to those without. Additionally, septoplasty (a corrective surgery for a deviated septum) was shown to reduce this risk significantly (hazard ratio of 0.71).

Key Takeaway

While a deviated septum might not cause sleep apnea outright, it can contribute to airway restrictions that worsen OSA symptoms or make treatment, like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), less comfortable.

How Much Does a Deviated Septum Contribute to Sleep Apnea?

The degree to which a deviated septum impacts OSA symptoms depends on multiple factors, including severity of the deviation and individual health conditions such as body mass index (BMI).

• Nasal blockages and CPAP compliance: A severely deviated septum can hinder CPAP usage, as the machine relies on clear nasal airflow. Low compliance can reduce treatment effectiveness.
• Sinus infections and allergies: Chronic nasal issues like sinus infections can exacerbate airflow problems linked to a deviated septum.
• Obesity and anatomy: Higher BMI—a known risk factor for OSA—can amplify breathing difficulties caused by nasal obstruction.

Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum

If you’ve been diagnosed with a deviated septum, treating it can improve your nasal airflow and complement other sleep apnea treatments.

Non-Surgical Solutions

• Nasal strips or sprays: Adhesive nasal strips can keep nostrils open during sleep, while decongestants or nasal steroids reduce inflammation in sinus tissues.
• Managing allergies: Controlling underlying conditions like seasonal allergies or sinus infections can help keep airflow steady.

Surgical Solution

• Septoplasty: This outpatient procedure involves surgically straightening the nasal septum. While septoplasty alone is unlikely to resolve OSA completely, it can significantly improve nasal airflow, potentially enhancing CPAP therapy and reducing snoring or mouth breathing.

Managing Sleep Apnea with a Deviated Septum

For those managing both OSA and a deviated septum, a combined approach is critical.

CPAP Therapy

• Full-face masks: If nasal congestion from a deviated septum makes standard CPAP masks uncomfortable, consider a full-face mask.
• Nasal surgery first: Some patients may undergo septoplasty to improve CPAP compliance.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Weight loss can reduce OSA symptoms for overweight individuals.
• Sleep position adjustments, like side sleeping, can prevent airway collapse.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed keeps airway muscles from relaxing too much.

Consult Specialists

Engage ENT specialists or sleep experts for a personalized approach to treatment that addresses both structural nasal issues and broader OSA symptoms.

Benefits of Treating a Deviated Septum for Sleep Apnea Sufferers

• Improved airflow: Correcting a deviated septum can ease nasal congestion and enhance breathing throughout the day and night.
• Better CPAP compliance: Patients with enhanced nasal airflow are likelier to use CPAP effectively.
• Reduced snoring: Improved breathing limits mouth breathing and turbulent airflow that causes snoring.
• Enhanced sleep quality: Addressing obstruction-related issues benefits both the individual and their partner.

Take Control of Your Sleep Health

A deviated septum might not cause sleep apnea, but its impact on breathing shouldn’t be overlooked in the bigger picture of sleep health. If you’re struggling with nightly disruptions, chronic snoring, or poor-quality rest, seeking medical advice is the best first step.

Get in touch with an ENT specialist or sleep doctor to explore personalized treatments that can lift the literal and figurative weight off your airway, paving the way for better nights and brighter mornings.

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