Headaches can be a debilitating condition that can disrupt our everyday life. Although there can be multiple causes of headaches, sometimes the underlying cause of the headache can be difficult to pinpoint. One such cause can be the nasal septum.

The nasal septum is the wall that divides the nasal cavity into two halves, and if it is deviated, it can cause headaches. In this article, we will explore how the nasal septum can be linked to headaches.

What is the Nasal Septum?

The nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils. The septum helps to support the nose, regulate airflow, and warm and humidify the air we breathe in.

Ideally, the septum should be centered, dividing the nasal cavity evenly into two halves. However, in some people, the septum is crooked, which is known as a deviated septum.

What is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum is a common condition where the nasal septum is displaced to one side or the other, resulting in an uneven division of the nasal cavity.

This can cause one side of the nose to be larger than the other, which can lead to congestion and difficulty breathing. A deviated septum can occur naturally or as a result of an injury to the nose.

How Can a Deviated Septum Cause Headaches?

The link between a deviated septum and headaches is that the obstruction of nasal airflow caused by the deviated septum can create pressure changes, which can cause headaches.

The pressure changes can occur because the septum causes the air to flow differently than it would with a normal septum. The changes can dehydrate the sinus cavities and cause inflammation, which can lead to headaches.

Additionally, the congestion caused by a deviated septum can cause the sinuses to fill with fluid and become infected, which can result in a sinus headache.

Other Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

In addition to causing headaches, a deviated septum can also cause other symptoms, including:.

Nasal congestion on one side
Breathing difficulties
Snoring or sleep apnea
Frequent nosebleeds
Postnasal drip
Frequent sinus infections

Treatment of Deviated Septum

If you suspect that your headaches or other symptoms are caused by a deviated septum, you should see an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. The ENT will examine your septum and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment options for a deviated septum include:.

Nasal sprays or decongestants to relieve congestion
Nasal strips to help with breathing at night
Septoplasty: surgery to correct the deviated septum
Turbinoplasty: surgery to shrink the size of the turbinates (small bony structures inside the nose)
Endoscopic sinus surgery: surgery to open up the sinus cavities

The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms caused by the deviated septum. Surgery is usually only recommended if other therapies have been ineffective.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing headaches, particularly if they are accompanied by other nasal symptoms, it may be worth exploring the possibility of a deviated septum.

A deviated septum can cause airflow obstruction, resulting in pressure changes that can lead to headaches. Treatment options are available to relieve the symptoms caused by a deviated septum, and in most cases, surgery is only recommended when other therapies have failed.