The Truth About Snoring and Deviated Septum: Causes and Treatments

Snoring is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is not only disruptive to the sleep of the person snoring, but it can also cause disturbances for their partner. While snoring is often seen as a minor annoyance, it can actually be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue – a deviated septum.

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (septum) between your nostrils is displaced, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can lead to breathing difficulties and a variety of other symptoms, including snoring. In this blog post, we will delve into the truth about snoring and deviated septum – their causes and available treatments.

Causes of Snoring and Deviated Septum:
Snoring is caused by the vibration of tissues in the upper airway during sleep. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as:

1. Age: As we age, our muscles become weaker, including those in the throat. This can cause the airway to narrow and result in snoring.

2. Weight: Being overweight or obese can also contribute to snoring as excess fat around the throat can put pressure on the airway and obstruct breathing.

3. Alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol before bedtime can relax the throat muscles, causing them to collapse and block the airway.

4. Sleeping position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to fall back and block the airway, resulting in snoring.

On the other hand, a deviated septum can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Genetics: In some cases, a deviated septum can be inherited from one or both parents.

2. Birth defect: Some individuals are born with a deviated septum due to a birth defect in the nasal passage.

3. Injury: A broken nose or any other type of trauma to the nose can cause the septum to become displaced.

The Truth About Snoring and Deviated Septum: Causes and Treatments

4. Chronic congestion: Repeatedly blowing your nose forcefully can also cause the septum to shift out of place.

Treatments for Snoring and Deviated Septum:
The good news is that both snoring and deviated septum can be treated. For snoring, some lifestyle changes can help reduce or eliminate it, such as:

1. Losing weight: If excess weight is the cause of snoring, shedding a few pounds can help reduce the pressure on the airway and alleviate snoring.

2. Changing sleeping position: Sleeping on your side can help keep the tongue and tissues in the throat from blocking the airway.

3. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: Limiting or avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can help prevent the throat muscles from relaxing and obstructing breathing.

In cases of a deviated septum, the following treatments may help:

1. Nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter nasal decongestants can help reduce swelling in the nasal passage, making it easier to breathe.

2. Nasal strips: These adhesive strips are placed on the nose to help open up the nasal passages and improve airflow.

3. Septoplasty: This is a surgical procedure that involves straightening the septum to correct the displacement.

4. Turbinate reduction: Sometimes, the turbinates (tissue inside the nose) can become enlarged due to a deviated septum. In such cases, reducing the size of the turbinates can help improve breathing.

In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary to effectively treat snoring and a deviated septum.

In conclusion, snoring and deviated septum are two common issues that can greatly impact one’s quality of life. While snoring can be seen as a mere annoyance, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. If you or your partner are experiencing chronic snoring, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the root cause and seek appropriate treatment. By understanding the causes and available treatments for snoring and deviated septum, you can take control of your sleep and improve your overall health and well-being.