Can a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea?

The deviated septum, a condition where the nasal septum, the thin wall among the nasal passages, is shifted or crooked, causing one side of the nose to be smaller than the other. This misalignment can lead to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and other related issues. One question that often arises is whether a deviated septum can cause or contribute to sleep apnea, a severe sleep disorder that involves the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. This post will explore the link between a deviated septum and sleep apnea and how procedures like rhinoplasty help alleviate these issues.

What is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum shifts away from the midline, causing one nasal passage to become significantly smaller than the other. While some people are born with a deviated septum, it can also result from trauma or injury to the nose. The condition can cause various symptoms, including nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, sinus infections, and nosebleeds. Although many people live with a mild deviation without noticeable symptoms, severe cases can severely impact a person’s quality of life, especially regarding breathing and sleep.

Causes of the Deviated Septum

The nasal septum can become deviated for a variety of reasons:

• Congenital condition: Many people live with a deviated septum due to irregular nasal development during fetal growth.
• Injury or trauma: A blow to the nose, whether from sports, an accident, or a fall, can cause the septum to shift.
• Aging: Natural aging processes can cause nasal structures to change, potentially leading to septal deviation.

What is Sleep Apnea? 

Sleep apnea, a disorder that causes an individual’s breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most frequent type of sleep apnea, which happens when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open. As a result, the individual experiences repeated interruptions in breathing, leading to poor sleep quality and various health complications.

Typical Signs of Sleep Apnea

• Persistent loud snoring
• Occasionally, pause in breathing when asleep
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Mood changes, such as irritability or depression

Can a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea?

The link between a deviated septum and sleep apnea is complex. While a deviated septum alone is not typically the primary cause of sleep apnea, it can contribute to nasal obstruction and make it more difficult for air to flow freely through the nasal passages. This, in turn, can exacerbate other factors that contribute to sleep apnea.

How Nasal Obstruction Impacts Sleep Apnea

When the nasal passage is obstructed due to a deviated septum, airflow is restricted, and breathing through the nose becomes difficult. This may force individuals to breathe through their mouth during sleep, leading to snoring and worsening sleep apnea symptoms. Mouth breathing can also dry out the throat and mouth, increases the chance of airway collapse during sleep. In severe cases, nasal obstruction may contribute to more frequent apneas (pauses in breathing) and overall sleep disturbance.

The Role of Rhinoplasty in Addressing Deviated Septum and Sleep Apnea

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes. When rhinoplasty is performed to correct a deviated septum and improve nasal function, it is known as septorhinoplasty. This procedure effectively addresses nasal obstruction and helps reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.

Benefits of Septorhinoplasty for Nasal Obstruction

Septorhinoplasty can improve nasal breathing by straightening the septum and reshaping the nasal passages for better airflow. For individuals with a deviated septum that is contributing to nasal obstruction and worsening sleep apnea, the surgery can offer significant relief. Benefits of the procedure include:

• Improved airflow: Correcting the deviation allows for better airflow through both nostrils, reducing the need for mouth breathing during sleep.
• Reduced snoring: By improving nasal breathing, septorhinoplasty can help alleviate snoring, which is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
• Enhanced sleep quality: With better nasal airflow, individuals may experience fewer sleep disruptions, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.

Other Treatments for Sleep Apnea

While septorhinoplasty can improve nasal obstruction and may reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms, it is not a standalone cure. Additional treatment may be necessary depending on the severity of sleep apnea. These can include:

Therapy for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure 

CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP equipment delivers non-stop air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, keeping the airway open during sleep. This treatment is highly effective for individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea and can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to surgical intervention and CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes can also be crucial in managing sleep apnea. Some effective changes include:

• Weight loss: Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Losing weight can reduce pressure on the airway and alleviate symptoms.
• Sleep position: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Side sleeping is often recommended to improve airflow.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the risk of airway collapse during sleep.

Rhinoplasty and Cosmetic Considerations

While septorhinoplasty is often performed to improve nasal function, many individuals also undergo the procedure for cosmetic reasons. The surgery can enhance the nose’s appearance by altering its shape, size, and proportions. For individuals who require septorhinoplasty for medical reasons, the procedure can also offer the opportunity to simultaneously make aesthetic improvements to the nose.

Cosmetic Benefits of Rhinoplasty

• Improved facial symmetry: Rhinoplasty can create a more balanced and symmetrical facial appearance by correcting nasal asymmetry.
• Refined nasal shape: The procedure can smooth out bumps, refine the nasal tip, or adjust the width of the nose to create a more aesthetically pleasing profile.
• Boosted self-confidence: Many individuals report improved self-esteem and confidence after rhinoplasty, as they feel more comfortable with their appearance.

Final Thoughts: Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?

If you have a deviated septum and are experiencing nasal obstruction or sleep apnea symptoms, septorhinoplasty may be a potential solution. While the procedure can improve nasal function and help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, it is essential to consult a qualified ENT specialist or plastic surgeon to determine whether surgery is the best course of action for your specific condition. If you are considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, it is essential to have realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcome. While rhinoplasty can significantly enhance the nose’s appearance, choosing a skilled surgeon who understands both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the procedure is essential.

A deviated septum can contribute to nasal obstruction, which may worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Septorhinoplasty offers a potential solution for improving nasal airflow and reducing sleep disturbances. However, it is essential to approach treatment holistically, incorporating other therapies like CPAP and lifestyle changes to manage sleep apnea and achieve optimal results fully.