
Can you fix a deviated septum without surgery?
Yes, you can – there are natural methods that don’t require surgery. And in this complete guide we cover every method that can help you. But…
Remember that natural methods for fixing a deviated septum do not have the support of scientific studies that surgical methods do. In other words, while surgeries for deviated septum have been tested in scientific studies, natural methods have not.
With that said, there are natural methods that many people have used with success, and that you can try at home to get relief from the symptoms of deviated septum. We cover all of those methods in this guide.
How to Fix a Deviated Septum Without Surgery
Home treatments for a deviated septum include:
And more! Let’s get into each one:
Essential Oil for a Deviated Septum
There are a number of essential oils that can alleviate the breathing problems associated with a deviated septum. These include:
External application of eucalyptus oil decreases the formation of mucus (slimy substance on the inner surface of the nose and sinus), reducing nasal congestion. Inhalation of steam mixed with eucalyptus oil (12 drops of oil in 150 ml of boiling water) reduces bacterial activity and inflammation. It also helps reduce headaches induced by sinonasal congestion. This oil should not be used during pregnancy, lactation, and in infants.1Ali, Babar & Al-Wabel, Professor Dr. Naser & Shams, Saiba & Ahmad, Aftab & Khan, Shah & Anwar, Firoz. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy, A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.2015, 5:589-598
External application or inhalation of steam mixed with a few drops of the oil helps open the nasal passage, clear the mucus, and reduce headache. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial property, herbal tea prepared from peppermint also helps reduce sinus infections. This oil is not advised for infants, children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.2Ali, Babar & Al-Wabel, Professor Dr. Naser & Shams, Saiba & Ahmad, Aftab & Khan, Shah & Anwar, Firoz. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy, A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.2015, 5:589-598
Lavender oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. The inhalation of lavender oil helps relieve headaches due to pressure from clogged sinuses. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties aid in reducing the inflammation in the nose and sinuses. Inhalation of this oil instills relaxing effects, reduces anxiety, clears the airway, and eases the breathing process.3Ali, Babar & Al-Wabel, Professor Dr. Naser & Shams, Saiba & Ahmad, Aftab & Khan, Shah & Anwar, Firoz. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy, A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.2015, 5:589-598
Diet for a Deviated Septum
Certain foods can cause congestion and inflammation, which can be made worse by a deviated septum. Here are some of the foods and dietary changes you can follow to reduce those side effects:
They help reduce the inflammation present in the nose and sinuses.5Hardy, Mary L., and Elizabeth R. Volkmann. "2 Rhinosinusitis." Food and Nutrients in Disease Management (2016): 29. Research suggests that the use of cayenne pepper in the diet results in clearing congestion. It is a good source of vitamin A and helps relieve pain by promoting drainage of accumulated mucus in clogged sinuses.6Blom, Severijnen, Van Rijswijk, Mulder, Gerth Van Wijk, & Fokkens. (1998). The long-term effects of capsaicin aqueous spray on the nasal mucosa. Clinical Experimental Allergy, 28(11), 1351–1358.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is commercially available in wet and dry forms, both of which have great medicinal value. Its anti-inflammatory property causes shrinkage of the enlarged mucous lining (inner skin) of the sinus and nose.7Manohar, P. Ram. "Ayurvedic Uses." Ginger is commonly used in various medicinal formulations in Ayurveda. Below are some uses of ginger in relieving nose and sinus congestion:8Kunnumakkara, A. B., Koca, C., Dey, S., Gehlot, P., Yodkeeree, S., Danda, D., … Aggarwal, B. B. Traditional Uses of Spices: An Overview. Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Spices.2009, 1–24.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins and antioxidants which help eliminate the bacteria that cause sinus infection. It acts as an immunity booster and helps in thinning the mucus and draining it, clearing the nasal airway. About 10ml of apple cider vinegar can be diluted with warm water and consumed. To improve the taste of the drink, lemon, and honey can be added.9Charlie parker; FEELING BUNGED UP? Experts reveal how to get rid of a painful sinus infection using apple cider vinegar; The Sun; December 2,2018.
Intake of dairy products increase the production of mucus (slimy substance). Dairy products are considered inflammatory, and may amplify the existing rhinosinusitis (inflammation of nose and sinus). Further, they may increase the patient’s susceptibility to bacteria and impair sinus drainage. However, these claims do not have enough scientific backing.10Bartley, J., & McGlashan, S. R. Does milk increase mucus production? Medical Hypotheses.2010, 74(4): 732–734.
Supplements for a Deviated Septum
In addition to improving your overall health, there are supplements you can take that will reduce the effect of the deviated septum:
Devices That Help a Deviated Septum
As you would expect, where there’s a health problem, there’s a device that can help!
Here are the main nasal devices that can help a deviated septum:
This is an alternative therapy for the treatment of sinonasal disorders. This method involves pouring lukewarm saltwater in a pot and flushing the nose. The pot resembles a teapot with a conical, tapered spout. The spout is easy to insert in the opening of the nostrils and forms a seal.14Scott, John. "Nasal irrigation for allergies, sinusitis-and winter sniffles?." Foods Matter (2008): 13. This seal allows flushing of the nose without entering the mouth. The volume of neti pots range from 30-500ml.15Jeffe, J. S., Bhushan, B., & Schroeder, J. W. (2012). Nasal saline irrigation in children: A study of compliance and tolerance. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 76(3), 409–413.
While using, the spout of the pot is inserted into a nostril. The position of head and pot are tilted and adjusted until there is no spilling. The use of neti pot aids in mucociliary clearance (draining of mucus embedded with foreign particles), which eases nasal and sinus congestion.16Jeffe, J. S., Bhushan, B., & Schroeder, J. W. (2012). Nasal saline irrigation in children: A study of compliance and tolerance. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 76(3), 409–413.
Here’s a video showing how to use a neti pot:
In individuals with sinus inflammation, sleeping on the back with a flat pillow may lead to discomfort due to pressure created by the accumulation of mucus. The use of double or wedge-shaped pillows helps them keep their head elevated which aids in drainage of mucus (due to gravity). This prevents the accumulation of mucus at one site, reducing discomfort.17Farrer, Fae. "Blocked nose and sinus headaches: clinical." SA Pharmacist's Assistant 14.3 (2014): 16-18
Sometimes if the air inhaled is too dry, it can cause thickening of mucosa (inner skin) of the nose and sinus. This can reduce the drainage of mucus (mucociliary clearance). The thickened mucosa further obstructs the airway passage, causing difficulty in breathing. Over time, this congestion can lead to pain and a headache.18Keck, T., Dürr, J., Leiacker, R., Rozsasi, A., Rettinger, G., & Rother, T. (2006). Influence of passive humidification on nasal conditioning. American Journal of Rhinology, 20(5), 430–433.
Devices such as the humidifier add moisture to the air, preventing dryness of the mucosa. Humidifiers come in various shapes and sizes and can be purchased based on the purpose and use. These devices are also recommended to individuals after sinus and nose surgeries.19Best Humidifier for Sinus Problems (All Types Compared 2020);Humidity expert; August 7, 2020
These are soft, flexible, nasal devices which assist in dilating the nostril to ease breathing in a blocked airway passage. These are commonly used for unrestricted breathing in individuals with sleep apnea or nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum.20Raudenbush, Bryan. Stenting the nasal airway for maximizing inspiratory airflow: Internal Max-Air Nose Cones versus external Breathe Right strip. American journal of rhinology & allergy.2011,25: 249-51.
Here’s a video showing a popular brand of nose cones:
These consist of an adhesive strip with two parallel bands, and helps broaden the nostrils for unrestricted breathing. It is placed 1 cm above the nostril openings and extends horizontally from one nasal wing (flares of the nose) to the other. These strips prevent the closing of the nasal wings while breathing to increase the airflow.21Dinardi RR, de Andrade CR, Ibiapina Cda C. External nasal dilators: definition, background, and current uses. Int J Gen Med. 2014;7:491-504. Published 2014 Nov 11.
Here’s a video showing nasal strips:
A nasal dilator is a small plastic device that comes in various forms (in-nostril stents, in-nostril cones, and external strips) and is designed to mechanically open users’ nasal passages. By increasing the diameter of the nostril, the dilators enhance the airflow and reduce the impact of the deviated septum. These are also effective in overcoming difficulty in breathing among pregnant women and infants.22Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
Here’s a video showing one brand of nasal dilator:
This is a mechanical device that is placed inside the nose through the opening of the nasal passage. It is used to ease breathing in individuals with nasal obstruction due to deviated septum. It can be easily seated between the sidewall of the nose and nasal septum. The device aids in keeping the air passage open and can be worn in one or both nostrils.23Comfortable, Unobstructed Nasal Breathing; Nasal valve support; retrieved on August 8, 2020.
Airway Remodeling Devices (e.g., Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling Device): This device uses heat to reshape tissues on the inner sidewalls of the nose. This creates more space in the nasal passage and improves breathing. The treatment can be carried out under local anesthesia and requires minimal intrusion. This non-surgical therapy is helpful in individuals with the deviated nasal septum, congestion, and snoring.24Brehmer, D., Bodlaj, R. & Gerhards, F. A prospective, non-randomized evaluation of a novel low energy radiofrequency treatment for nasal obstruction and snoring. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019,276: 1039–1047.
Here’s a video showing one brand of airway remodeling device:
Steam therapy using vaporizer moisturizes the dry, enlarged mucosa of the nose and sinus. It softens the dry flaky crusts on the nose and liquefies the mucus for easier drainage. Steam inhalation can also be taken with essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint oil) for more benefits. If steam inhalation is not possible, a hot water bath can provide relaxing effects.25Druce, H. M. (1990). Adjuncts to Medical Management of Sinusitis. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 103(5_suppl), 880–883
Medication for a Deviated Septum
The main medications for a deviated septum reduce inflammation in the nasal passage and help to flush it out:
The medicines prescribed in case of sinusitis include Mercurius (Merc.), Kalium bichromicum (Kali bi.), Silicea (Sil.), Kalium iodatum (Kali. Iod.), Lycopodium clavatum (Lyc.), Nux vomica (Nux vom.), Pulsatilla (Puls.), Arsenicum album (Ars.), Graphites (Graph.), and Sticta pulmonaria (Stic).30Nayak, C., Singh, V., Singh, V. P., Oberai, P., Roja, V., Shitanshu, S. S., … Mathew, G. Homeopathy in chronic sinusitis: a prospective multi-centric observational study. Homeopathy.2012; 101(2)
While individuals benefit from the therapy, there is little scientific evidence to validate the use of this therapy.
Exercises for a Deviated Septum
There are some intriguing exercises to help in breathing problems, including problems caused by a deviated septum.
While these exercises have not been validated in scientific studies, there are many online chat forums where fans of these exercises describe their success in using them. The main exercises are:
This breathing method involves 3 steps: inhalation, exhalation, and automatic pause. These breathing exercises are to be practiced for a few minutes every day. It helps treat chronic rhinosinusitis and sleep apnea.32Stark, R., & Stark, J. (2015). Buteyko. Diet and Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis, 247–257. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-800051-9.00029-8
Eastern Medical Techniques
There are other traditional techniques that originate from countries in Asia, notably India:
Sources:
- 1Ali, Babar & Al-Wabel, Professor Dr. Naser & Shams, Saiba & Ahmad, Aftab & Khan, Shah & Anwar, Firoz. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy, A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.2015, 5:589-598
- 2Hall, Elizabeth. "Natural Rx for Sinus Infections.
- 3Hardy, Mary L., and Elizabeth R. Volkmann. "2 Rhinosinusitis." Food and Nutrients in Disease Management (2016): 29.
- 4Blom, Severijnen, Van Rijswijk, Mulder, Gerth Van Wijk, & Fokkens. (1998). The long-term effects of capsaicin aqueous spray on the nasal mucosa. Clinical Experimental Allergy, 28(11), 1351–1358.
- 5Manohar, P. Ram. "Ayurvedic Uses."
- 6Kunnumakkara, A. B., Koca, C., Dey, S., Gehlot, P., Yodkeeree, S., Danda, D., … Aggarwal, B. B. Traditional Uses of Spices: An Overview. Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Spices.2009, 1–24.
- 7Charlie parker; FEELING BUNGED UP? Experts reveal how to get rid of a painful sinus infection using apple cider vinegar; The Sun; December 2,2018.
- 8Bartley, J., & McGlashan, S. R. Does milk increase mucus production? Medical Hypotheses.2010, 74(4): 732–734.
- 9Jiao, J., Meng, N., Wang, H., & Zhang, L. (2013). The effects of vitamins C and B12 on human nasal ciliary beat frequency. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;13(1).
- 10Al-Ebiary, Hassan A., et al. "Role of vitamin D in chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis study." The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology 34.1 (2018): 1.
- 11Johnson S. The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency. Med Hypotheses. 2001;56(2):163-170.
- 12Scott, John. "Nasal irrigation for allergies, sinusitis-and winter sniffles?." Foods Matter (2008): 13.
- 13Jeffe, J. S., Bhushan, B., & Schroeder, J. W. (2012). Nasal saline irrigation in children: A study of compliance and tolerance. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 76(3), 409–413.
- 14Farrer, Fae. "Blocked nose and sinus headaches: clinical." SA Pharmacist's Assistant 14.3 (2014): 16-18
- 15Keck, T., Dürr, J., Leiacker, R., Rozsasi, A., Rettinger, G., & Rother, T. (2006). Influence of passive humidification on nasal conditioning. American Journal of Rhinology, 20(5), 430–433.
- 16Best Humidifier for Sinus Problems (All Types Compared 2020);Humidity expert; August 7, 2020.
- 17Raudenbush, Bryan. Stenting the nasal airway for maximizing inspiratory airflow: Internal Max-Air Nose Cones versus external Breathe Right strip. American journal of rhinology & allergy.2011,25: 249-51.
- 18Dinardi RR, de Andrade CR, Ibiapina Cda C. External nasal dilators: definition, background, and current uses. Int J Gen Med. 2014;7:491-504. Published 2014 Nov 11.
- 19Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
- 20Comfortable, Unobstructed Nasal Breathing; Nasal valve support; retrieved on August 8, 2020.
- 21Brehmer, D., Bodlaj, R. & Gerhards, F. A prospective, non-randomized evaluation of a novel low energy radiofrequency treatment for nasal obstruction and snoring. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019,276: 1039–1047.
- 22Druce, H. M. (1990). Adjuncts to Medical Management of Sinusitis. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 103(5_suppl), 880–883
- 23Loudon I. A brief history of homeopathy. J R Soc Med. 2006;99(12):607-610.
- 24Nayak, C., Singh, V., Singh, V. P., Oberai, P., Roja, V., Shitanshu, S. S., … Mathew, G. Homeopathy in chronic sinusitis: a prospective multi-centric observational study. Homeopathy.2012; 101(2)
- 25Courtney, Rosalba. "Buteyko breathing method." Recognizing and Treating Breathing Disorders E-Book (2014): 241.
- 26Stark, R., & Stark, J. (2015). Buteyko. Diet and Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis, 247–257. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-800051-9.00029-8
- 27Abishek K, Bakshi SS, Bhavanani AB. The Efficacy of Yogic Breathing Exercise Bhramari Pranayama in Relieving Symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Int J Yoga. 2019;12(2):120-123.
- 28Singh, Ram B., et al. "Pranayam yoga breathing practices modulate the mind-body connection." Int J Disability Human Dev 2 (2009): 141-153.
- 29Rawal M, Chudasma KM, Vyas RV, Parmar BP. Effect of Vasantic Vaman and other Panchakarma procedures on disorders of various systems. Ayu. 2010;31(3):319-324. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.77160
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