Few feelings are more disconcerting than not being able to catch your breath and get the oxygen you need. There are dozens of reasons why this can occur, from sprinting to catch the bus to more serious breathing issues.
Few things in life are absolutely perfect, which can certainly be said of septums. A septum is the piece of cartilage that divides your nasal passages. In fact, up to 80% of people have some degree of deviation in their septums. While some irregularity isn’t usually a cause for concern, a moderate or severe deviated septum can lead to a host of complications.
As ear, nose, throat, and sinus experts, Cecil Yeung, MD, and our team here at Houston Sinus Surgery are all too familiar with the many problems that can crop up because of a septum that’s crooked or off-center.
In this blog, we review some of the more common complications that can stem from a deviated septum.
The most common complication of a deviated septum is difficulty breathing. A misalignment in your nasal passages can make breathing in and out more difficult, especially if you’re also dealing with nasal congestion.
Speaking of nasal congestion, people with moderate-to-severe deviated septums are more prone to sinus and nasal congestion. This can occur because if air doesn’t flow freely through your nose and sinuses, this can allow mucus to build up. Furthermore, this can allow an infection to take hold.
If you have congestion in your nasal passages and sinuses, this pressure can build and lead to headaches.
If air isn’t flowing freely through your nasal passages, they may dry out, which could lead to nosebleeds.
People with deviated septums are far more likely to snore because of the congestion. Congestion is often worse at night when lying down. Snoring can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.
If you’re experiencing any of the complications above, there are a number of options we can try. Conservative options would include steroids, decongestants, and antihistamines. However, these treatments are stop-gap measures and won’t help with long-term relief.
If you want to correct your deviated septum once and for all, Dr. Yeung has extensive experience performing septoplasties, a procedure in which he realigns the piece of cartilage in your nose to help you breathe easier.
In most cases, he can perform this surgery using your natural openings, and he doesn’t alter the bone structure in your nose. For a septoplasty, recovery is quick — usually about a week — and you’ll be rewarded with well-functioning nasal passages.
If you have a deviated septum or want to see if you do, Dr. Yeung can give you a thorough evaluation and discuss treatment options if needed. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Houston Sinus Surgery today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Few feelings are more disconcerting than not being able to catch your breath and get the oxygen you need. There are dozens of reasons why this can occur, from sprinting to catch the bus to more serious breathing issues.
A cerebrospinal fluid leak sounds incredibly serious and, we assure you, it is. Here, we explore this rare condition, how it can develop, and, most importantly, the steps we can take to remedy the problem.
Certain breathing issues can flare up suddenly and require immediate action, which is certainly true of reactive airway disease and asthma. Here’s a look at some of the signs of a reactive airway and the steps you should take.
Thyroid nodules are incredibly common. In fact, half of all people get them by age 60. The good news is that they’re mostly benign. However, they can cause symptoms. Here’s a look at what can cause thyroid nodules.
You’re constantly clearing your throat thanks to excess mucus that’s draining out the back of your nose and sinuses, and you’re tired of the irritation. Here’s a look at some of the many potential causes of post-nasal drip.
Are your efforts to be active cut short or limited by your inability to tap into smooth, deep breathing? Here’s a look at what might be behind the problem and how we can help.