
The main medications for a deviated septum aim to reduce inflammation in the nasal passage and help to flush it out:
Nasal Steroids for a Deviated Septum
Nasal steroids have anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce the swelling in the mucosa of the nose and sinuses by decreasing the inflammation causing cells (e.g., mast cells, cytokines, eosinophils).
Nasal steroids also reduce the inflammation of the sinus opening, allowing mucus drainage and clearing congestion. They are beneficial in individuals with deviated nasal septum and symptoms such as nasal obstruction, stuffy nose, runny nose, and sinus infections.1Corey, J. P., Houser, S. M., & Ng, B. A. (2000). Nasal Congestion: A Review of its Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, 79(9), 690–702. doi:10.1177/014556130007900908
Nasal steroids can be taken topically (i.e. applied to the skin), orally, or through injections. The topical form of nasal steroids is more effective than the oral, as it displays minimal side effects.
Inappropriate and prolonged use of nasal steroids can cause side effects such as irritation, burning sensation, and fungal infection (candidiasis). Nasal steroids may take several days to exhibit results.
Research suggests that use of topical steroids (e.g., budesonide) is more effective in relieving nasal congestion than antihistamine (e.g., terfenadine) medications.2Davis, S. S., & Eccles, R. (2004). Nasal congestion: mechanisms, measurement and medications. Core information for the clinician. Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences, 29(6), 659–666. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2273.2004.00885.x
Allergy Medications for a Deviated Septum (e.g. antihistamines/decongestants)
Overuse of topical decongestants can cause swelling in the mucosa of the nose (rebound nasal congestion) and may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
Oral forms of decongestants are less effective than topical forms, but have
minimal rebound effects when compared to topical.4Schuman, T. A., & Senior, B. A. (2018). Treatment Paradigm for Nasal Airway Obstruction. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
Sources:
- 1Corey, J. P., Houser, S. M., & Ng, B. A. (2000). Nasal Congestion: A Review of its Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, 79(9), 690–702. doi:10.1177/014556130007900908
- 2Davis, S. S., & Eccles, R. (2004). Nasal congestion: mechanisms, measurement and medications. Core information for the clinician. Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences, 29(6), 659–666. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2273.2004.00885.x
- 3Schuman, T. A., & Senior, B. A. (2018). Treatment Paradigm for Nasal Airway Obstruction. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
- 4Schuman, T. A., & Senior, B. A. (2018). Treatment Paradigm for Nasal Airway Obstruction. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
Leave a Reply