Can a deviated septum cause sleep apnoea?

[Armstrong1310]

Hello, I'm new here. Since I was married in 1980 my husband has said I will often stop breathing and he has to shake me to get me breathing again although I obviously start again eventually as he was a merchant seaman! I can recall this happening sometimes. For as long as I can remember I have needed to sleep during the day and I've fallen asleep at school, university and work to such an extent that everyone tells me I could sleep on a washing line. A few years ago a specialist finally told me (after struggling my whole life) that I have multiple chemical sensitivity. Having much better control over what I come into contact with has helped enormously and I now get hardly any pain. However, I still have the none breathing episodes and tiredness. My nose was accidently broken when I was 13 (1972) I had an operation to straighten it but only the outside was straightened. The septum remained right over to one side. This has always effected my ability to breathe through my nose and it hasn't helped always being an asthmatic. I really don't like bothering the doctor so would like to know if this could be causing it. I do have some of the other symptoms such as swollen legs, headaches and night sweats. I am post menopausal by 5 years now.

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Hello Armstrong 1310

How horrible it must be for you to be so tired during the day. You do seem to have figured out for yourself that what you are experiencing are the symptoms of sleep apnoea. If you get the proper treatment life could be so much better for you. This could mean seeing an ENT specialist about the diverted septum and maybe a referral to your closest sleep apnoea clinic. Doctors are there to be 'bothered'. That is what we pay them for and only your doctor can get you to the correct specialist treatment. Now, no more prevaricating, pick up the phone and book the appointment. I do hope that you get the help that you need.

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HJi I agree totally with littlepom. Obviously we can't diagnose you over the net so you need to speak to your doctor. From the little I know it does sound like sleep apnoea.

[Armstrong1310]

Thank you both so much for your help and I'll phone and make an appointment today. I think I was just reticent as it tooks many years to finally be told I had MCS. I only found this site today and it has been a great help. I will most certainly recommend it to others.

[peege in reply to Armstrong1310]

Glad to hear you will see the doc. Quality of life is so important - we never know what's around the corner 😕