Shortness of Breath? A Deviated Nasal Septum Could Be the Cause

Post Date: 8/29/2024

Shortness of breath can significantly impact the quality of your life. There may be several reasons for shortness of breath. One often-overlooked cause can be a deviated septum. This condition where the nasal septum—the cartilage and bone that divide the nasal cavity—is misaligned can lead to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, etc. If you have a deviated septum, you can’t breathe through the nose.

One of the most common and quick treatments for shortness of breath is deviated septum surgery, or septoplasty. By straightening the septum, this surgery not only alleviates symptoms but also enhances overall nasal function.

What is Septoplasty Surgery?

Shortness of breath is challenging, especially when it is night. Because shortness of breath at night does not allow you to have a non-stop sleep. To correct the deviated septum, your doctor may decide to perform septoplasty surgery. This surgery is performed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist and involves reshaping or repositioning the septum. The procedure not only alleviates symptoms like nasal congestion and shortness of breath but also enhances overall nasal function and quality of life.

Why is Septoplasty Done?

Shortness of breath causes several negative conditions, such as:

• Lack of sleep
• Inability to maintain daily activities
• Increased stress level
• Feeling of suffocation

Some of the reasons why patients decide to have a deviated septum operation are:

• Persistent nasal blockage that does not respond to medication.
• Recurrent sinus infections due to impaired drainage.
• Shortness of breath caused by obstructed nasal passages.
• Regular nosebleeds as a result of the dry air flow in the narrowed nasal passage.
• Breathing problems during sleep due to restricted airflow.
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the nasal area due to the deviated septum.

Prepare Yourself for Fixing Septum Deviation Appointment

Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of deviated septum. Before seeing your doctor, you should prepare yourself for the possible questions that your doctor is most likely to ask.

• How long have you been experiencing breathing difficulties?
• Do you experience blocked nostril or nasal congestion in one or both nostrils?
• Have you had frequent sinus infections or nasal issues in the past?
• Do you suffer from frequent nosebleeds?
• Have you noticed any pain or discomfort in your nose or facial area?
• Do you have trouble sleeping due to breathing problems, snoring, or sleep apnea?
• Have you tried any treatments, such as nasal sprays or medications, to relieve your symptoms?
• Have you ever had a nasal injury or trauma to your face?
• Do you experience headaches, especially around the sinus areas?
• Is there a history of nasal or sinus problems in your family?
• Have you noticed any changes in your sense of smell?
• Have you previously undergone any nasal or sinus surgery?

How is Deviated Septum Treatment Done?

Shortness of breath is a treatable condition with nasal septoplasty if it is related to misalignment of the septum. With septoplasty, a crooked nose, misaligned septum, or blocked nostril can be fixed. Fixing septum deviation is a smooth process. Before the surgery, your doctor will inform you how to organize your diet and take medications.

Deviated nasal septum surgery overview is as follows:

Anesthesia and Incision

The procedure begins with the administration of general or local anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. An incision is then made to reach the septum.

Reshaping the Septum

Your doctor carefully trims, repositions, or replaces parts of the cartilage and bone to straighten the septum and improve airflow.

Stitching and Closing the Incision

Once the septum is correctly aligned, your doctor stitches the incision closed. Your doctor may also place soft splints inside the nostrils to support the septum area as it heals.

Post-Surgery Monitoring

You will be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia to ensure you are stable and comfortable before being discharged.

Aftercare Procedure of Deviated Septum Surgery

Shortness of breath is a challenging condition. But after figuring out how to fix a deviated septum, a new life starts for you. Once the nasal obstruction surgery is completed, you will need some time to recover. Full recovery from septoplasty surgery typically takes several months. But you can go on your daily activities within a few weeks.

Your discipline in aftercare procedures also affects your recovery time.

• Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, to reduce swelling and aid in recovery.
• Refrain from heavy lifting, bending, or any strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery.
• Take prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
• Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes.
• For the first few weeks, avoid blowing your nose to prevent disrupting the healing process.
• Regular check-ups with your surgeon are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

To learn more about the process, you can contact our experienced team at Selçuk İnanlı Clinic. Wishing you good health