Can a Deviated Septum Cause Snoring?

Snoring is more than just a nighttime nuisance—it can disrupt your sleep, affect your partner’s rest, and sometimes signal underlying health issues. While many people associate snoring with common lifestyle factors like being overweight or sleeping on your back, there’s another, less obvious culprit: a deviated septum. Studies estimate that more than 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of nasal septal deviation, ranging from mild to more significant, although many are unaware because symptoms may be mild or overlooked.

You might ask: can a deviated septum cause snoring? The answer is yes—understanding how and why this happens could be your first step toward quieter, more restful nights for you and your loved ones. Snoring often has multiple causes, and a deviated septum can be an important contributor.

Quick Answer: Can a Deviated Septum Cause Snoring?

Yes, a deviated septum can cause snoring. This occurs because a deviated septum restricts airflow through one or both nasal passages, often leading to nasal congestion and promoting mouth breathing during sleep. Mouth breathing can increase vibration of the soft tissues in the airway, producing the characteristic sound of snoring. When nasal passages are partially blocked, the soft palate and throat tissues are more prone to vibration and noise.

To picture this, imagine trying to breathe through a partially blocked straw—airflow decreases, resulting in more effort and turbulent airflow. This reflects what happens when nasal airflow is reduced by a significant septal deviation.

Importantly, these breathing disruptions may also increase the risk or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing frequently stops and restarts during sleep. Therefore, persistent snoring, especially with daytime tiredness or witnessed breathing pauses, deserves attention.

How a Deviated Septum Causes Snoring

What Is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the two nostrils. Ideally, it sits centrally, allowing equal nasal airflow. However, in most people, the septum is slightly off-center. When this deviation is large enough to cause breathing obstruction, the condition is called a deviated septum.

Some individuals are born with a deviated septum due to developmental factors, while others develop it following nasal injury or trauma, such as sports injuries or accidents. The severity varies widely—from a barely noticeable bend to a deviation causing chronic nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. Many people only discover it after symptoms persist or when sleep disturbances arise.

Nasal Congestion and Airflow Restriction

A deviated septum can narrow one or both nasal passages, making nasal breathing difficult, especially when lying down. This congestion may worsen at night and can be intensified by allergies, colds, or sinus infections.

When nasal airflow is restricted, people tend to breathe through their mouths during sleep. Unlike nasal breathing, mouth breathing leads to dryness and causes the soft palate and throat tissues to vibrate more easily, thereby increasing snoring. Turbulent airflow and partial airway obstruction from congestion further make snoring louder and more frequent.

Dr. Emily Sanders, MD, Otolaryngologist, explains, “When nasal passages are blocked, patients often breathe through their mouths at night, which increases snoring because the airway is less stable and the soft tissues vibrate more.”

The Link Between a Deviated Septum and Sleep Apnea

Significant nasal blockage from a deviated septum can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated airway collapse causing breathing pauses.

People with OSA typically snore loudly and experience daytime symptoms like excessive sleepiness, morning headaches, and poor concentration. A deviated septum can worsen these issues by increasing airway resistance and making it harder for the airway to stay open during sleep.

A study cited by the Cleveland Clinic notes that correcting nasal obstructions such as a deviated septum may improve sleep apnea symptoms and quality of life. However, septoplasty or nasal correction is usually part of a broader treatment plan and not a standalone cure for moderate to severe OSA.

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum Related to Snoring

If you suspect your snoring may be related to a deviated septum, watch for these common signs:

 
• Chronic nasal congestion or stuffiness, often worse in one nostril
 
• Mouth breathing during sleep, leading to dry mouth or sore throat
 
• Loud or frequent snoring that disrupts your or your partner’s sleep
 
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, especially when lying down
 
• Nasal obstruction that changes with position or illness
 
• Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, or headaches due to poor-quality sleep

These symptoms can fluctuate depending on allergies or infections and may worsen if left untreated. Recognizing these signs is key to seeking appropriate care.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional snoring is common and usually harmless, but persistent, loud snoring combined with nasal breathing difficulties warrants medical evaluation. Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

 
• Snoring loud enough to regularly disturb your own or a partner’s sleep
 
• Observed pauses in breathing during sleep or reports of gasping or choking
 
• Excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or morning headaches
 
• Frequent nasal obstruction interfering with sleep or daily activities

A thorough nasal examination and possibly a sleep study can help identify whether a deviated septum or another condition is causing your symptoms. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Treatment Options for Snoring Caused by a Deviated Septum

Treatment varies depending on severity and individual needs, with both medical and surgical options available.

Medical Treatments

 
• Nasal decongestants and sprays: These may temporarily relieve congestion from allergies or infections but do not correct the structural deviation. Long-term use of some decongestants can worsen symptoms and should be avoided.
 
• Allergy management: Antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays can reduce inflammation and swelling if allergies contribute to nasal obstruction.
 
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy: For those with accompanying sleep apnea, CPAP delivers steady airflow to keep airways open during sleep, reducing snoring and apneas.

Surgical Treatments

 
• Septoplasty: This surgical procedure corrects the deviated septum by straightening and repositioning the cartilage and bone, improving nasal airflow. Many patients experience significant snoring reduction after surgery; however, outcomes vary as snoring often has multiple causes.
 
• Considerations: Septoplasty involves risks such as bleeding, infection, and discomfort. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks for most activities, although complete healing may take several months. Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative counseling and postoperative care instructions.

Septoplasty can significantly improve nasal breathing and reduce snoring but is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan, especially in patients with sleep apnea.

Home Strategies to Reduce Snoring with a Deviated Septum

If your septum deviation is mild or if you want to complement medical treatment, try these lifestyle changes:

 
• Change sleep position: Sleeping on your side can reduce snoring by relieving airway obstruction often worsened when lying on your back.
 
• Use a humidifier: Moist air can soothe irritated nasal passages and reduce congestion, especially in dry environments.
 
• Try nasal strips or nasal dilators: Over-the-counter devices may temporarily open nasal passages to improve airflow but do not correct structural problems.
 
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives: These relax throat muscles and increase snoring frequency and severity.
 
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight adds fatty tissue around the airway, worsening snoring and increasing sleep apnea risk.

These strategies may help reduce snoring but do not replace professional diagnosis and treatment when symptoms persist or worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is snoring always caused by a deviated septum?
No. Snoring has many causes including obesity, airway anatomy, sleep position, alcohol use, and various nasal issues. A deviated septum is one possible factor among several.

Q2: How is a deviated septum diagnosed?
A healthcare provider examines your nasal passages using a light and nasal speculum to check for deviation. Imaging or a sleep study might be recommended for comprehensive assessment.

Q3: Can nasal sprays permanently fix snoring caused by a deviated septum?
No. Nasal sprays provide temporary relief of congestion but do not correct structural nasal deviation. Surgery is the only way to address the underlying anatomical issue.

Q4: How long does it take to recover from septoplasty?
Most patients resume normal activities within one to two weeks, but full healing—including resolution of swelling and restoration of normal nasal function—may take several months.

Q5: Can children have a deviated septum that causes snoring?
Yes. Children may be born with or acquire a deviated septum and experience snoring or breathing difficulties. Pediatric specialists can evaluate and offer appropriate treatment options.

Book an Appointment

If frequent snoring or nasal obstruction is affecting your sleep or that of a loved one, and you suspect a deviated septum may be involved, seek a professional evaluation. The specialists at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia provide thorough nasal examinations and sleep studies as needed, tailoring treatment plans to your specific condition.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve your sleep quality and overall health.
To schedule a consultation, contact Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia or call our office directly. Start your journey toward easier breathing and better sleep today!

References

 
1. Henry Ford Health. "Is a Deviated Septum Causing Your Snoring or Breathing Issues?"
 
2. Cleveland Clinic. "Deviated Septum."
 
3. Unity Health Network. "Understanding Sleep Apnea and Deviated Septums."

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.