At Northwest Sinus Center, we have helped many Bend OR residents with deviated septums. This common rhinology issue is something that can cause many problems, as it causes one of your nasal passages to shrink. If you or someone you love experiences this issue, it is vital to understand its many potential complications. Doing so will help make it easier to find a treatment that works for you.

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum has many potential causes. Most of the time, this problem is subtle and may not be immediately noticeable for some people. And it may worsen with time after its initial development, causing increasing symptoms. These complications can intensify and make a person's life more difficult. Generally, a deviated septum occurs:

● During birth, due to various imperfections with fetal development 
● After a severe injury to the nose, such as an impact during a car crash
● While a person ages and naturally worsen over time 
● With swelling and irritation of the nasal cavities due to illness

Typically, most people who develop a deviated septum have a genetic predisposition towards it or were not careful in various situations. For example, many football and soccer players experience deviated septums at some point in their careers. And those who do not follow proper safety procedures while driving may also suffer a deviated septum. Even worse, their symptoms may intensify with time and cause other types of issues.

What Complications May Occur?

When you develop a deviated septum, you may start noticing breathing troubles and much more. Though this concern is rarely dangerous or life-threatening, it may make your life uncomfortable and trigger a variety of complications that are better not experienced. Just a few of the most common of these problematic issues include the following:

● Obstruction of at least one nostril and potentially both at times
● A higher risk of swelling and upper respiratory tract infections 
● Nosebleeds that come and go and often worsen in dry weather 
● Pain throughout the nose, particularly on the deviated area 
● Struggles with sleeping or intense snoring
● Chronic mouth breathing you may not notice 
● Pressure in one or both of your nasal passages 

Preventing this problem requires a higher level of general caution when playing contact sports or driving. However, if you have a genetic predisposition to deviated septums, you may need to talk to a rhinology expert near you in Bend OR to manage this problem. Doing so will help to provide you with the high-quality care that you need to breathe easy once again.

Clear Your Nose for Good

If you need a rhinology expert in Bend OR who can help with a deviated septum, please call us at Northwest Sinus Center to learn more. Our team can help manage this problem and get your breathing back on track. Call us at (855) 746-8700 to learn more about how we can help you. We'll do what we can to get your septum fixed, including providing various effective surgical treatment options.