Having trouble breathing through your nose can be frustrating. Between the humidity, pollen and the hustle and bustle of life in Houston, our noses take a beating. Let’s discuss two common culprits that might be messing with your breathing: deviated septums and allergies and — most significantly — how those two things are connected.
What Are Deviated Septums Anyway?
The septum is the wall inside your nose that separates your nostrils. Ideally, it should run straight down the middle, giving you two, equal-sized nostrils. But for many people, it’s a bit off-center – and that’s a deviated septum. This can make breathing through one side of your nose harder than the other.
Houston Allergies & Deviated Septums – A Double Whammy
Houston’s climate can be a nightmare for allergy sufferers. With the year-round pollen, mold and dust, your nose is under constant attack. When you’re allergic to something, your immune system goes into overdrive, causing nasal passages to swell and produce more mucus. This is why you often feel stuffed up and can’t stop sneezing during allergy season.
How Are They Connected?
A deviated septum can make your allergy symptoms worse. If your septum is already making one nostril narrower, any swelling from allergies can block that nostril completely. This can lead to a cycle of congestion that feels endless.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
How do you know if you’re dealing with both allergies and a deviated septum?
- Constant Nasal Congestion: One or both nostrils feel blocked all the time
- Frequent Nosebleeds: Especially on one side
- Sinus Infections: Recurring infections can be a sign that something’s off
- Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Trouble breathing at night can be linked to both conditions
- Headaches or Facial Pain: Due to the pressure buildup in your sinuses
What Can You Do About It?
If you suspect you have a deviated septum, the first step is to get checked out by a specialist at Allergy & ENT Associates. Sometimes, a simple office procedure can help, but in more severe cases, surgery might be needed to straighten things out.
Ready to take relief into your own hands? Schedule a consultation today.
