When you’re congested, you know that feeling, and your nose is stopped up? It can be not very pleasant, but it’s also prevalent. According to WebMD, the most common reason for a blocked nose or sinus congestion is the deviated septum. If this sounds like something you might have been experiencing lately, read on to learn more about the characteristic signs that you could be having a deviated septum. Book an appointment with Dr. Alexis Furze in California.
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Sleep Apnea
If you’ve noticed that you’re snoring more than usual, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. This is a sleep disorder that a deviated septum can cause. When your septum is off-center, it can block your airway and cause you to snore. If you think you might have sleep apnea, it’s essential to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Postnasal Drip
When your septum is off-center, it can cause the tissues in your nose to swell. This can lead to mucus drainage down the back of your throat, which can irritate and cause you to feel congested.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are expected when the nasal membranes are dry and cracked. When the nasal membranes are dry, they are more likely to bleed when irritated. Nosebleeds can also be caused by high blood pressure, a head injury, or a tumor.
A deviated septum is a common cause of a blocked nose, sinus congestion, sleep apnea, and postnasal drip. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor to get them checked out.
Difficulty Breathing
If you find yourself panting after a short walk or feeling like you can’t get enough air, it could be a sign that you’re having difficulty breathing. This is another common symptom of a deviated septum. When the septum is off-center, it can cause the tissues in your nose to swell and block your airway. It can make it difficult to breathe, especially when you’re active.
Headaches
If you’ve been noticing more headaches, it could be because you’re not getting enough oxygen. When the septum is blocked, it can cause a decrease in oxygen levels. It can lead to headaches or even migraines.
Runny Nose
Several things can cause a running nose, including allergies, a cold, or the flu. A deviated septum can also cause a running nose, as it can block the nasal passages and cause mucus drainage. It tends to worsen with time when the condition remains untreated.
Recurring Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It can be caused by various things, including a cold, the flu, allergies, or a deviated septum. When the nasal passages are blocked, it can cause mucus drainage and sinusitis. However, the specific part is that the sinusitis recurs when the septum has deviated.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s essential to see a doctor and get them checked out. A deviated septum is a common cause of many different types of nasal congestion and can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated. A specialist will make the necessary diagnosis to determine the structure of the nasal cavities, which is crucial for the treatment.
