About 80 percent of people's noses are considered deviated, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The septum is the center bone of the nose that separates the two nostrils. A deviated septum is a condition where the septum is crooked or off-centered, according to MayoClinic.com. While the majority of people have a deviated septum, it usually goes unnoticed without any symptoms. In some cases, a major deviation can cause various symptoms and sleep apnea. Consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea.
Nasal Obstruction
The most common symptom of a deviated septum is nasal obstruction that can lead to further complications, according to MayoClinic.com. Either one or both nostrils are blocked by the crooked shape of the nose, causing nasal congestion. In severe cases, both nostrils are blocked, restricting air flow and the ability to drain fluid from the nose. This blockage can cause chronic sinus infection.
Chronic Sinus Infections
When fluid sits in the nasal cavity, it can develop bacteria or attract viruses that lead to an infection. During a sinus infection, the sinus walls become inflamed, swelling and further complicating a person's ability to breathe. Sinus surgery is required to correct the deviated septum and restore normal air and discharge flow.
Sinus Pressure Pain
Sinus pressure pain is felt through the face and head, according to Merck Manuals. The inflamed sinus cavity places pressure on the surrounding organs, leading to sinus pressure pain in the eyes, cheekbones, ears, forehead, back of the neck and upper-teeth.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is a common symptom of a deviated septum, according to MayoClinic.com. Postnasal drip is a condition where excess mucus continually drips in the back of the throat, causing bad breath, a sore throat and a cough, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Postnasal drip is treated by correcting the nasal issue, such as sinus inflammation. Decongestants are taken to reduce swelling and restore proper nasal drainage.
Sleep Apnea
According to Stanford University, sleep apnea is a life---threatening condition that could lead to death and requires urgent medical attention. Sleep apnea is a condition where during sleep a person's breathing slows down or becomes shallow, reducing oxygen to the brain and in the blood. One of the most common causes of sleep apnea is nasal obstruction that creates a minor suffocation during sleep. Once diagnosed by a doctor, sinus surgery is required to cure sleep apnea caused by a deviated septum.
