If you have a severely deviated septum, you may find it difficult to breathe and suffer from nosebleeds, sinus infections, or other symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of nonsurgical options for this condition. The first step in determining whether surgery is right for you is to see a physician. During a consultation, your doctor will examine your nose with a nasal speculum to determine where the septum is located and how it’s affecting the size of your nostrils. Your doctor will also ask you questions about your symptoms, such as how much you sleep, snore, or other respiratory conditions.
Alternatives to surgery
In severe cases, the only way to correct a deviated septum is surgery. However, there are some nonsurgical treatments available to address the problem. These include nasal irrigation, medication, and corticosteroid spray. In some cases, nonsurgical measures can make the problem worse. Your ENT doctor may recommend septoplasty in such instances. If you are considering surgery, you should be aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
In many cases, people opt for surgery to correct their deviated septum for functional or aesthetic reasons. However, the procedure is not without risks and should only be performed if you have tried decongestants unsuccessfully. In many cases, surgery can cause a distorted nose, and people can have trouble breathing, causing other issues. Fortunately, many insurance companies cover the surgery.
Natural therapy
Breathing Retraining Therapy, or BRT, is one natural therapy for a deviated septum. This method has been around since 1952 and aims to correct dysfunctional breathing patterns by training the body to breathe more slowly and regularly. If the septum is too wide, it may be necessary to correct the deviated septum through surgery. Depending on the severity of the deviated septum, BRT might be an option for you.
A deviated septum occurs when the bone and cartilage wall between the right and left nasal cavities is not aligned properly. Although this may be normal and harmless at birth, the septum is likely to deform with age. If the septum is significantly deviated, it can narrow the airway, causing breathing problems. A significant deviated septum may appear bent to one side. This obstruction may be anterior or posterior. The cartilage on the anterior septum may dislocate into the nasal vestibule. When this happens, breathing becomes obstructed, and the individual may experience sleep apnea.
Antihistamines
Medications that treat nasal blockage can help you deal with the nasal congestion caused by a deviated septum. Antihistamines help clear the nasal passages and are generally prescribed to treat allergies. However, they can cause side effects and can make you drowsy. Also, they cannot correct the deviated septum itself. If you’re looking for a non-surgical method to treat your nasal blockage, then antihistamines may be the answer.
Various over-the-counter medications are available for the symptoms of a deviated septum. Antihistamines are available in nasal sprays and chewable tablets, but they can cause drowsiness and can interfere with your daily routine. You can also try nasal bands, which look like band-aids and lift the sides of your nose away from your septum. They can relieve nasal congestion and reduce snoring. You can purchase nasal bands at your local pharmacy, without a prescription.
Steroid sprays
Prescription nasal corticosteroids may help fix a deviated septum without surgical treatment. These medications are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and may ease nasal swelling. If you frequently experience sinus infections, your doctor may prescribe a steroid spray daily. A deviated septum can also block a nostril, requiring surgical correction. But corticosteroids can help you get through the painful period until surgery is needed.
A deviated septum is the result of injury to the nose. Trauma to the nose can occur during childbirth or during a range of accidents. Contact sports and rough play are two of the most common causes. Similarly, the aging process can affect nasal structures, causing swelling and inflammation. Infection can also lead to nasal obstruction. To prevent these problems, you should wear a midface mask while playing sports or engaging in other activities that involve contact.
Another way to fix a deviated septum is to have the nasal septum straightened. This surgery can relieve symptoms related to nasal airflow, air blockage, dry mouth, and recurrent sinus infections. During the recovery period, you can eat anything you want, but you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity. The recovery time is two weeks. The surgery takes about an hour.