If you’ve been struggling with snoring or sleep apnea, a deviated septum might be the underlying cause. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between your nostrils is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This common condition can significantly impact your breathing and lead to issues like snoring and sleep apnea.
Dr. Farhad Sigari, a board-certified ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist with extensive training, can help you explore your treatment options. He treats patients in Marina Del Rey/Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, California.
How Does a Deviated Septum Affect Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
A deviated septum can obstruct airflow through your nasal passages, increasing resistance when you breathe. This obstruction often leads to mouth breathing, a common cause of snoring. When your nasal passages are blocked, the airflow through your mouth can cause vibrations in the throat and make that familiar snoring sound.
Sleep apnea, a more serious condition, can also be aggravated by a deviated septum. Sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. If you have a deviated septum, the nasal obstruction can exacerbate these blockages and make sleep apnea symptoms worse. This disrupts your sleep and can cause health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and daytime fatigue.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
If you notice that your snoring is loud and persistent, or if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it may be time to consider treatment for a deviated septum. Treatment options could include medications like nasal steroids, decongestants, and antihistamines, as well as non-surgical options like nasal strips or nasal dilators. It’s also possible that you may need surgical intervention through septoplasty.
Get the Relief You Need from Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Dr. Sigari has years of experience treating California patients for ear, nose, and throat issues. He is dedicated to helping you breathe easier and sleep better.
Don’t let a deviated septum continue to disrupt your sleep and well-being. Call Dr. Sigari’s offices today to schedule an appointment: 562-291-3272 for Marina Del Rey, 310-773-5986 for Long Beach, or 661-695-8627 for Bakersfield.