A deviated septum may contribute to snoring by narrowing the nasal passages and causing breathing difficulties during sleep. This can encourage mouth breathing and increase vibration in the throat’s soft tissues.
However, a deviated septum and snoring do not always have a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Snoring often has several contributing factors. Treatment depends on where airflow is restricted and whether sleep apnea is present.
What Is a Deviated Nasal Septum?
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage separating the two sides of the nasal cavity is bent or displaced from the centre. Significant septal displacement can narrow one or both nasal passages, making it harder to breathe.
Many people with a deviated septum have no symptoms. A deviation does not mean you will snore or need treatment.
What Are The Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum?
Difficulty breathing through the nose is the main symptom of a significant septal deviation. When a blocked nasal passage affects sleep quality, deviated septum symptoms may include:
- Persistent nasal congestion, often more noticeable in one nostril.
- Mouth breathing and a dry mouth or sore throat on waking.
- Loud breathing or snoring during sleep.
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position for nasal breathing.
A dry nasal lining can also contribute to frequent nosebleeds. These common symptoms are not specific to a deviated septum. Nasal obstruction may also result from swollen nasal tissues, allergies or other conditions. Tell your doctor if you also experience chronic congestion, post-nasal drip or frequent sinus infections.
How Does a Deviated Nasal Septum Contribute to Snoring?
A deviated septum can increase resistance in a narrowed nasal airway. Uneven airflow through the nasal passages may create turbulence. Trouble breathing through the nose can encourage you to sleep with your mouth open, leaving you with a dry mouth.
When you breathe through your mouth, airflow passes over relaxed throat tissues, including the soft palate, the soft part of the roof of your mouth. These tissues can vibrate and produce snoring. The sound usually comes from vibrating soft tissues, rather than the bone and cartilage of the septum.
Whether a deviated nasal septum causes snoring depends partly on how much it restricts breathing and whether other parts of the airway are also narrowed.
Does a Deviated Septum Cause Snoring in Everyone?
No. Some people have a deviated septum without snoring, while others snore despite having little nasal obstruction.
Other causes of snoring include excess weight, enlarged tonsils, differences in mouth anatomy such as tongue and soft palate position, alcohol near bedtime, and sleeping on the back. Several factors may be present together.
Allergies, a nasal infection and chronic nasal inflammation can add swelling to a blocked nasal passage. A deviated septum does not cause an allergy, but the combination can make nasal breathing more difficult.
When Could Snoring Indicate Sleep Apnea?
Loud, frequent snoring with breathing pauses or disrupted sleep may indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep.
Arrange an assessment if snoring occurs with:
- Breathing pauses noticed by a partner.
- Gasping or choking during sleep.
- Repeated waking or poor sleep that leaves you unrefreshed.
- Marked daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating.
- Morning headaches.
A deviated septum may add to breathing resistance and worsen sleep problems in someone with sleep apnea. However, finding a deviation does not establish the diagnosis. A sleep study may be needed. Avoid driving if you are struggling to stay awake.
How to Diagnose a Deviated Nasal Septum Causing Snoring
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can determine whether a deviated septum is causing significant nasal obstruction and whether other factors may explain your snoring or breathing issues.
Your ENT doctor will ask about nasal symptoms such as blockage, as well as allergies, previous injuries, sleep position and daytime symptoms. A partner’s description of snoring, breathing pauses or gasping can be helpful.
The physical examination includes the nose and throat. A nasal speculum, an instrument that gently opens the nostrils, may help your doctor examine the nasal passages. A small scope may be used to look farther inside the nose when needed. The assessment considers both the nasal septal deviation and swelling of the surrounding tissues.
A nasal examination identifies structural narrowing that may explain your breathing difficulties. A sleep study assesses breathing during sleep when sleep apnea is suspected. The tests answer different questions.
