Can A Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea?
Key Takeaways
- A deviated septum involves a shift in the nasal septum to one side. The condition can occur from birth or due to an injury to the nose.
- A deviated septum does not cause sleep apnea, but the two conditions are linked.
- You can still use a CPAP machine with a deviated septum, although your doctor may suggest higher pressure settings.
A deviated septum is a structural abnormality that occurs in the nose which blocks one side. It can develop due to an injury, or someone can be born with a deviated septum. The severity of symptoms may depend on the extent of the deviation.
What is a Deviated Septum?
The thin wall between the nasal passages is called the nasal septum. The septum is made of bone and cartilage. It typically sits between the middle of the nasal passages. A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum becomes pushed to one side. Although a deviated septum is not inherently dangerous, it can impact breathing and potentially lead to snoring during sleep.
A deviated septum is prevalent. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 80% of the general population have a deviated septum to some extent.¹
Causes of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum can develop later in life, or an individual can be born with a condition. Factors that may cause a deviated septum from birth include medical conditions, such as craniofacial disorders or trauma to the nose during birth.
In other instances, a deviated septum can result from an injury. In many cases, a broken nose can cause a deviated septum. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Sports Injuries
A deviated septum can develop later in life, or an individual can be born with a condition. Factors that may cause a deviated septum from birth include medical conditions, such as craniofacial disorders or trauma to the nose during birth.
In other instances, a deviated septum can result from an injury. In many cases, a broken nose can cause a deviated septum. Common causes include:
Breathing at Night with the Deviated Septum
For some people, a deviated septum does not cause any significant problems. In fact, they may not even realize they have it. However, for others, symptoms and adverse effects may occur.
Having a deviated septum may make breathing at night a little more difficult. One of the nasal passages may become blocked due to the deviation, which can potentially lead to mouth breathing and snoring. If symptoms become severe enough or cause difficulty sleeping, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the deviation.
Does Having a Deviated Septum Cause Sleep Apnea?
Having a deviated septum in itself does not necessarily cause sleep apnea. However, research suggests a connection between the two conditions. According to a research study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, people with a deviated septum are over 4 times more likely to develop sleep apnea than those without the deviation.² The exact reason for the strong correlation between the two conditions is not entirely clear.
It is possible that with a deviated septum, you breathe through your mouth, which changes airflow to the back of your throat. This may cause the structures in the back of the throat, such as the tongue and the soft palate, to relax, obstructing the airway. For those who have sleep anpea and are mouth breathers, full face masks are recommended to get optimal treatment.
Does a Deviated Septum Make Sleep Apnea Worse?
It is unclear whether a deviated septum can worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. However, treatment may be more challenging. Any condition that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, such as nasal congestion, allergies, or a deviated septum, can make treating sleep apnea more difficult.
Additionally, possible symptoms of a deviated septum may interfere with getting good sleep. Possible symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Chronic sinusitis
Using CPAP Therapy with a Deviated Septum
You can use a CPAP machine with a deviated septum. However, it's important to speak to your healthcare provider so they can determine any adjustments needed. There are a few things to consider when using CPAP therapy with a deviated septum, such as the following:
Mask choice: Having a deviated septum may make it more difficult to breathe through your nose, and using nasal pillows with CPAP may not be possible. Your physician may recommend using a full face mask that covers both your nose and mouth.
Pressure settings: Because a deviated septum can obstruct airflow through the nose, higher CPAP pressure settings may be necessary to keep the airway open during sleep
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Conclusion
Having a deviated septum can affect your sleep apnea treatment. However, it's essential to remember that you can still use CPAP for treating sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to headaches, fatigue, and memory problems. It can also have long-term health effects, such as increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Treatment with CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and reducing your risk. The CPAP Shop is your one-stop shop to purchase CPAP equipment, including masks and accessories. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
References
- The Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Deviated Septum. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16924-deviated-septum
- Yeom SW, Kim MG, Lee EJ, Chung SK, Kim DH, Noh SJ, Lee MH, Yang YN, Lee CM, Kim JS. Association between septal deviation and OSA diagnoses: a nationwide 9-year follow-up cohort study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021 Oct 1;17(10):2099-2106. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.9352. PMID: 34606442; PMCID: PMC8494085. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8494085/
