Deviated Septum?

Theoldguy1
Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,511 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Not sure where to post this but here it goes. Anyone have experience with a deviated septum? I tend to have a lot of sinus infections and tend to want to mouth breath which obviously isn't good and doesn't help my exercise routine. I use nasal strips at night and my breathing seems to improve significantly. I've had doctors tell me I do have some deviation. A couple have said to get it fixed and a couple said eh, probably okay. I was actually scheduled for surgery a few years ago and life happened so I cancelled. It seems to be getting worse though in the last few year (which from my research is typical as we age). I have an appointment in a couple weeks for my annual physical with a new doctor so will get his take.

Replies

  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    I have a partial deviation. My ENT says don't worry about it.

    I have to mouth breathe while running and I spit constantly. I think it slows me down 15-30 seconds a mile.
  • stutba
    stutba Posts: 152 Member
    Same here mouth breath when running. No biggy for me
  • MelanieCN77
    MelanieCN77 Posts: 4,047 Member
    Me. This last year I have taken Flonase and Allegra every day, year round, and it has helped me a lot. As you know it doesn't take much to get congested, when it interferes with sleep more than once in a while is when I put my foot down.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    I had mine "fixed" when I was 17 except the surgeon made a right mess of it, the nostril that was previously partially blocked became clear and the nostril that was previously clear became half blocked by a flap of cartilage.

    The recovery wasn't much fun and it's rumoured Quentin Tarantino was creatively inspired by the aftermath of me sneezing post op - talk about paint the town red!

    Saw an eminent ENT surgeon many years later (just before my private medical cover was due to end...) and he immediately recognised the name of my surgeon as my hooter wasn't the only nose he messed up. To repair the damage he said he would have to remove the septum completely, remodel it and attempt to reattach it. The word attempt worried me and he confirmed there would be a high risk of failure and I could be left with a floppy "boxer's nose".
    I asked if it were his nose would he contemplate surgery and got an emphatic no as his answer.

    I have a few minor nose bleeds, a bit more prone to congestion, a bit more prone to snoring (allegedly!) and my snot rockets while cycling are very one-sided.

    Moral of the story is check your surgeon's credentials, reputation and success rate very carefully.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Nothing wrong with breathing through your mouth while exercising, you need oxygen so do what feels natural.

    If you're getting sinus infections that can be alleviated with the surgery go for it.
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,511 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    Nothing wrong with breathing through your mouth while exercising, you need oxygen so do what feels natural.

    If you're getting sinus infections that can be alleviated with the surgery go for it.

    My issue is want to mouth breath during normal activities due to congestion.
  • sistrsprkl8097
    sistrsprkl8097 Posts: 20 Member
    I do. I breath through my mouth a lot which is fine. I use a neti pot at first sign of cold, it really works & was recommended by an md. I’m pretty active, it shouldn’t keep u down 😀
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,511 Member
    MelanieCN77 wrote: »
    Me. This last year I have taken Flonase and Allegra every day, year round, and it has helped me a lot. As you know it doesn't take much to get congested, when it interferes with sleep more than once in a while is when I put my foot down.

    Yeah I've done the Flonase and Clartin year round. Still have pressure behind the eyes that makes it hard to use the computer sometimes (eye exam 3 months ago, they're fine).
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