Your nostrils are separated by the septum, made up of cartilage. Each nasal passage should be roughly the same size, allowing for easy air flow when breathing. If one side is significantly disproportionate to the other, this can result in breathing problems.
A deviated septum is usually hereditary. In fact, most people will have differently sized nasal passages; it is only when the distance is extreme that issues become apparent. Otherwise, if you have experienced trauma to the nose, such as a break, this may alter the septum’s structure.
Signs of a Deviated Septum
You can test yourself for breathing difficulties right now. Firstly, close your mouth and breathe only through your nose. If you struggle to take in enough air, or perceive a rattling sound, this is your first indication that your nostrils are not functioning optimally. Now, close off one nostril at a time with your finger. You may notice it is easier to draw breath through one side of your nose than the other.
Difficulty breathing has an extremely negative effect on sleep. You may wake up frequently and often feel tired. When the nose is blocked during sleep, you will instinctively open your mouth to keep up the intake of air. Drawing breath through the oral pathways vibrates the soft tissues, resulting in very loud snoring. This results in a wakeful night for both you and your loved ones.
It is normal to experience an occasional nosebleed, but if they appear along with other symptoms, it could suggest a deviated septum. The lining of the nostrils is drier, and struggling to pull in air produces tiny perforations in the delicate tissue.
Excess sinus fluid is naturally expelled through the nose. If a deviation in the nasal passage prevents proper drainage, you may encounter pain around the cheeks, forehead and eyes. Too much mucus sitting in the sinus cavity encourages the growth of bacteria, and sinusitis can develop more than usual.
Talk to Dr. Maurice Khosh About Your Breathing Problems
To get to the root cause of your breathing issues, Dr. Khosh will thoroughly examine your nasal passages. He will recommend the optimal surgical technique to bring better functionality to your nose.
If your deviated septum is accompanied by a change in the nose structure, or chronic sinus issues, it is possible to combine several procedures. Contact Dr. Khosh today at his New York Surgery clinic for an appointment.
