Snoring is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, disrupting not only the quality of their sleep but also that of their partners. While there are many potential causes of snoring, ranging from obesity to allergies, one anatomical issue that often goes overlooked is a deviated septum. But does a deviated septum cause snoring, or is it just one piece of a larger puzzle?
Let’s explore the true link between deviated septum snoring and what treatment options are available with Dr. Aditi Desai, a renowned expert in sleep-related breathing disorders.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
To understand the relationship between deviated septum snoring and sleep quality, we must first understand what a deviated septum is.
The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. In a perfectly aligned nose, both sides of the nasal passage are equally sized, allowing air to flow freely. However, in many individuals, the septum is displaced or “deviated” to one side. This misalignment can narrow one or both nasal passages and affect airflow.
A deviated septum can be congenital (from birth) or result from trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. The severity of the deviation can range from minor to extreme, and that’s where the question does a deviated septum cause snoring becomes relevant.
Does a Deviated Septum Cause Snoring?
Yes, it can. According to Dr. Aditi Desai, the answer to does deviated septum cause snoring is often yes, especially when nasal obstruction significantly affects airflow during sleep.
Here’s why: Snoring occurs when air cannot flow freely through your airway. This creates turbulence that causes the soft tissues of the throat and nasal passages to vibrate. A deviated septum can block or restrict one side of the nose, forcing air to travel through a narrower space, which increases turbulence and, in turn, increases the likelihood of snoring.
So, while not everyone with a deviated septum will snore, deviated septum snoring is a well-documented phenomenon, particularly in those with moderate to severe septal deviation.
Can a Deviated Septum Cause Snoring or Just Make It Worse?
Another frequently asked question is: can a deviated septum cause snoring outright, or does it just worsen existing snoring?
Dr. Desai explains that both scenarios are possible. In individuals who already have risk factors for snoring, such as obesity, alcohol use, or sleeping on their back, a deviated septum can exacerbate the condition. However, in some people, a severely deviated septum may be the primary cause of their snoring.
That’s why medical professionals always assess nasal anatomy when patients present with chronic snoring or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Deviated Septum Snoring vs. Other Causes
Not all snoring is the result of nasal blockage. In fact, many cases of snoring originate in the throat due to the soft palate, tongue, or tonsils. However, what makes deviated septum snoring unique is that it often presents without other sleep apnoea symptoms, such as gasping or pauses in breathing.
Dr. Aditi Desai emphasizes that nasal-based snoring tends to have a consistent, steady rhythm and may worsen during allergy season, cold weather, or when lying flat on the back.
Understanding the difference between nasal and throat snoring is essential for selecting the right treatment.
Diagnosing a Deviated Septum
If you suspect you might have deviated septum snoring, the first step is a clinical evaluation. A doctor, typically an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) will examine the inside of your nose using a nasal speculum or an endoscope. Imaging tests, like CT scans, may also be used for more detailed views.
According to Dr. Desai, a proper diagnosis is key to answering does a deviated septum causes snoring in your case and determining if treatment will improve your symptoms.
Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Snoring in the Meantime
If you’re experiencing deviated septum snoring and are either awaiting treatment, considering surgery, or seeking immediate relief, a few strategic lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. While these changes may not fully correct the structural problem caused by a deviated septum, they can minimize its effects and help you sleep more peacefully.
Let’s discover the evidence-based lifestyle adjustments recommended by Dr. Aditi Desai to help reduce snoring caused by a deviated septum.
Change Your Sleep Position
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce snoring is to avoid sleeping on your back. When you lie flat, gravity pulls the tongue and soft palate backward, narrowing the airway. For someone already struggling with restricted nasal airflow due to a deviated septum, this can worsen snoring dramatically.
What to do:
- Sleep on your side instead of your back. Side sleeping keeps your airway more open and allows for better airflow through the nose and throat.
- Use a body pillow or wedge pillow to help maintain a side-sleeping position throughout the night.
- If you unconsciously roll onto your back, try the tennis ball technique – sewing a tennis ball into the back of your sleepwear discourages back sleeping.
This simple switch can ease the burden of deviated septum snoring almost immediately.
Stay Well Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to the thickening of mucus in the nasal and throat passages, which may increase snoring. This is particularly problematic if your nasal passages are already partially blocked due to a deviated septum.
What to do:
- Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, depending on your activity level and climate.
- Drink fluids consistently throughout the day, not just at night.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, both of which can contribute to dehydration.
By keeping your mucous membranes moist and clear, you can reduce the vibration and congestion that contribute to deviated septum snoring.
Use a Humidifier
Dry indoor air – especially in colder months – can irritate your nasal passages and throat, causing inflammation and congestion. When combined with a narrowed airway from a deviated septum, this can significantly worsen snoring.
What to do:
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom to maintain optimal humidity levels (ideally between 40–60%).
- Clean your humidifier regularly to avoid the buildup of mold and bacteria.
- Consider adding eucalyptus or menthol oils to the water (if your humidifier allows it) to help open airways and ease breathing.
A more humid environment can soothe the upper airway, making deviated septum snoring less severe.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives Before Bed
Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in your throat and tongue, making it easier for them to collapse into the airway during sleep. For those with a deviated septum, this muscle relaxation can turn mild snoring into a loud, disruptive problem.
What to do:
- Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 3–4 hours before bedtime.
- Speak to your doctor about alternatives if you’re using sedatives or sleep aids.
- Replace late-night drinks with herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root, which promote relaxation without impairing airway tone.
This one change can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of deviated septum snoring.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight, particularly around the neck and upper body, can increase pressure on the airways. This pressure can further restrict airflow in people already dealing with the narrowing effects of a deviated septum.
Even a modest 5–10% reduction in body weight can improve airflow and dramatically reduce snoring intensity.
Clear Your Nasal Passages Before Bed
Since a deviated septum restricts airflow on one or both sides of the nose, it’s essential to do everything possible to keep nasal passages open at bedtime.
These steps won’t fix a deviated septum, but they may significantly reduce the resistance in your airway and minimize the effects of deviated septum snoring overnight.
When to See a Specialist
If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments but still snore persistently, it’s time to consult a specialist. An ENT doctor or sleep specialist can evaluate whether your snoring is due to a deviated septum or another structural issue.
Dr. Aditi Desai advises not to ignore snoring, especially if it’s affecting your energy, mood, or heart health. Sleep quality is foundational to overall well-being, and addressing does a deviated septum cause snoring could be your first step toward restful nights.
Final Thoughts
So, does a deviated septum cause snoring? Yes – it absolutely can. While not everyone with a deviated septum will snore, the obstruction it creates often leads to turbulent airflow, nighttime mouth breathing, and loud, chronic snoring.
The good news? Deviated septum snoring is manageable and, in many cases, correctable through lifestyle changes, medical therapies, or surgical procedures.
If you’ve been wondering can a deviated septum cause snoring in your life, the answer may be just a specialist consultation away. With the right guidance from Dr. Aditi Desai, you can breathe easier, sleep better, and finally wake up feeling refreshed.
