A septum is a wall of bone and cartilage separating the nasal passages which are lined with mucous membranes on either side. When the wall is severely tilted to one side that is referred to in the medical world as a "deviated septum". Visually you can tell when a septum has deviated because it looks like one nostril is bigger than the other.
A deviated septum, depending on the severity, can cause a number of health issues such as difficulty breathing due to disrupted airflow, headaches, facial pain, sleep apnea, increased rate of infection, and a postnasal drip. While in most severe cases surgery must be done because it is the only way to correct a deviated septum, there are other options available for a less severe case of a deviated septum.
Before opting for surgery which can be costly, require a recovery period, and has numerous risks involved, it is definitely worth it to look into some other medical treatments or natural treatments you can try, to alleviate the symptoms of a deviated septum and help facilitate better airflow in your nose:
Nasal strips
Nasal Strips are made of an adhesive material that you can stick directly on to your nose. The material is also flexible and once in the proper position above the flare of the nostrils, the band lifts up the sides of your nose and creates space in the nasal passage in an attempt to get back to its original shape.
The nasal strips provide instant relief to deviated septum symptoms by lifting inflamed sinus passages and making breathing easier despite the obstruction.
The drawbacks are that they are disposable and cannot be reused. They are not a long term solution for someone who suffers from deviated symptoms on a constant basis but can help provide temporary relief while other methods are being investigated.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is the process of using a solution of water, salt, and baking soda (you can also buy pre-packaged saline solution powder) to clean out your nasal passages and be able to breathe more easily.
There are a few things you can use for the process - a neti pot (a small porcelain pot with a long spout), a syringe, or a squeeze bottle.
Step 1 - Lean your head forward over a sink at a 45-degree angle so that one nostril is pointing down.
Step 2 - Put the spout of the neti pot or the tip of the syringe or bottle into your nostril and pour the solution. Keep your mouth open and remember to breathe from your mouth not your nose.
Step 3 - Let the water drain from your nose and spit out any water that gets into your mouth.
Step 4 - Blow your nose and then repeat with the opposite nostril. When you're done, discard any leftover solution and rinse and dry the materials you used.
Nasal Irrigation can help the symptoms of a deviated septum such as inflammation which can be worsened by allergies. Cleaning out your nasal passages clears away any potential obstructions that can make breathing more difficult. Using a neti-pot 3 times a week can keep your symptoms at bay depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some people experience stinging or burning when they use nasal irrigation, others may experience nosebleeds (due to irritated blood vessels in the nose), or ear fullness.
Internal Nasal Dilator
An internal nasal dilator is a small plastic ring that is inserted into the nose before going to sleep and aid with breathing. Some are more rigid and some are designed to be flexible. They help to keep the nasal passages open and allow more air to travel through and help to make breathing easier.
Nasal dilators can help people who suffer from a deviated septum and snore as a result. Nasal dilators have been known to help with snoring issues and make breathing through the nose at night easier.
The benefits to nasal dilators are that they are cosmetically non-invasive and can barely be detected. They are inexpensive and can be reused multiple times. The downside to nasal dilators is that they don't always work and aren't designed for every type of snoring problem. They can also start to feel uncomfortable after being worn for a while.
The Max-Air Nose Cones are a specific brand of nasal dilators that are a great option to try. In order to determine if the Max-Air Nose Cones would work for you, you can try the "Cottle Maneuver".
To do this, block one nostril and manually dilate the other laterally towards your cheek. If there is an improvement in airflow then the Max-Air Nose Cones may be the right solution for you. The way the Max-Air Nose Cones work is that the gentle pressure of the cones opens the obstructed airway which improves airflow and makes breathing easier and more symmetrical. The cones are customizable and can be bought in different sizes depending on the extent of the deviated septum. It can be worn individually if there is only a problem on one side of the nose.
Nasal Supports
Nasal Supports are small structures inserted into the nose that help to keep the nasal passageway open and expanded to allow for better airflow. They are safe, effective, can be worn during the day and at night, and are reusable. They are also very discreet and can be worn in public without detection.
They provide instant relief from deviated septum symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty breathing through the nose, and nose whistling. As with any objects placed in the nose, the drawbacks are that it might start to feel uncomfortable after wearing it for a while.
The Nasal Valve Support is one great option. It is a custom-designed, discreet, and reusable nasal insert that goes completely into the nasal cavity and eliminates obstruction in the front part of the nose and improves airflow without causing discomfort, irritation, or being noticeable at all to others. It's free to try with a 100% money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty.
Sources:
Nasal Dilators - What Are They? | Snoring Devices Australia
How Nasal Dilator Strips Improve Snoring
The Side Effects of a Sinus Rinse | LEAFtv
Nasal Irrigation: Natural Relief for Cold & Allergy Symptoms
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