Do you have a deviated septum but don’t know which treatment is best for you?
You’re in luck!
Because in this complete guide to deviated septum treatments, we cover every known way to fix a deviated septum, from different types of surgery to natural treatments that you can do at home.
Deviated Nasal Septum Treatment Options
There are two main categories of deviated septum treatments:
We cover both categories of treatment in detail below…
How to Fix a Deviated Septum with Surgery
There are various types of surgery that correct a deviated septum:
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is the most-common surgical procedure for correcting a deviated nasal septum.
The surgery involves identification of specific areas of the deviation or where the ‘bend in the septum’ is.
These areas are then cut and removed and grafts are placed in the gaps. This results in the straightening of the septum, and freeing up of the obstructed nasal airway.1Ketcham AS, Han JK. Complications and management of septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2010;43(4):897-904
Turbinoplasty Surgery
Turbinoplasty surgery is a procedure performed to remove a part of swollen turbinates in order to improve the nasal airway.
Turbinates are small bony structures covered by a mucous membrane (inner skin) present on the inner aspect of lateral wall of the nose. They help in warming, humidifying, and cleansing the air that we breathe.
When there is infection, allergies, or irritation, the mucous membrane of these turbinates’ swell, causing nasal obstruction.2Mabry, R. L. (1988). Inferior Turbinoplasty: Patient Selection, Technique, and Long-Term Consequences. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 98(1), 60–66.
Turbinoplasty Surgery
Turbinoplasty surgery is a procedure performed to remove a part of swollen turbinates in order to improve the nasal airway.
Turbinates are small bony structures covered by a mucous membrane (inner skin) present on the inner aspect of lateral wall of the nose. They help in warming, humidifying, and cleansing the air that we breathe.
When there is infection, allergies, or irritation, the mucous membrane of these turbinates’ swell, causing nasal obstruction.3Mabry, R. L. (1988). Inferior Turbinoplasty: Patient Selection, Technique, and Long-Term Consequences. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 98(1), 60–66.
Balloon Sinoplasty Surgery
Balloon sinuplasty is a surgical procedure performed to treat individuals suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of inner lining of nose and sinus) due to blockage of the sinus opening. The blockage of the sinus opening causes accumulation of the mucus (a slimy substance produced by inner skin of sinus), obstructing the ventilation and leading to sinus infection.4Lofgren DH, Shermetaro C. Balloon Sinuplasty. [Updated 2020 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
This procedure uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to open up the blocked sinus opening. Using a guide, a balloon is inserted into the sinus. The balloon is then inflated using a calibrated pressure gauge, enlarging the sinus opening. This permits the drainage of the accumulated mucus from the sinus and reduces the infection.5Raghunandhan S, Bansal T, Natarajan K, Kameswaran M. Efficacy & outcomes of balloon sinuplasty in chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective study. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;65(Suppl 2):314-319. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0462-9
This technique involves minimal intrusion and preserves the structure of the sinus, focusing only on the blocked sinus opening.6Raghunandhan S, Bansal T, Natarajan K, Kameswaran M. Efficacy & outcomes of balloon sinuplasty in chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective study. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;65(Suppl 2):314-319. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0462-9
Here’s a good video that explains balloon sinuplasty:
Endoscopy Surgery
Endoscopy surgery is an advanced surgical technique involving treatment of nasal and sinus-related inflammatory diseases using an endoscope.
In individuals experiencing nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum, septoplasty is performed to correct the deviated septum. Endoscopic surgery is one of the approaches of performing septoplasty.7Shah J, Roxbury CR, Sindwani R. Techniques in Septoplasty: Traditional Versus Endoscopic Approaches. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018;51(5):909-917.
The endoscopic septoplasty utilizes a rigid endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera. This technique provides better visualization of the deformity and tissues with enhanced illumination and magnification, allowing for an accurate removal of the segments of deviated septum.8Shah J, Roxbury CR, Sindwani R. Techniques in Septoplasty: Traditional Versus Endoscopic Approaches. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018;51(5):909-917.
Laser Radiation
Laser irradiation is an alternative approach used in the correction of deviated nasal septum.
This technique involves modifying the shape of cartilage present in the septum to correct the deviated septum.
In this technique, cartilage tissue is shaped into the desired geometry by applying mechanical force with an instrument (nasal speculum). Using laser, the cartilage is heated at select sites on septum to a temperature of 65-70oC. Once the desired temperature is reached, laser is terminated. After tissues cool down, mechanical force is removed, resulting in new shape and increased cross sectional area of the septum.9Protsenko DE, Wong BJ. Laser-assisted straightening of deformed cartilage: numerical model. Lasers Surg Med. 2007;39(3):245-255.
The use of laser in correction of deviated septum aids in reducing postoperative complications such as pain, epistaxis, and infection. Along with this, it reduces the doctor’s time and effort.10Protsenko DE, Wong BJ. Laser-assisted straightening of deformed cartilage: numerical model. Lasers Surg Med. 2007;39(3):245-255.
Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the shape of the nose. Other than the cosmetic correction of the nose, it also aims at improving the nasal airway by correcting the structural defects in the nose. This procedure is also commonly known as a “nose job” or nose reshaping.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the US.11Sean T. Massa MD, Scott G. Walen MD. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in Otolaryngology, 2018, 59-71
Frequently Asked Questions – Deviated Septum Surgery
It takes 1- 1.5 hours to complete a septoplasty surgery. This may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.
The short answer is yes.
Septoplasty is the most common surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum. During the procedure, soft tissue on the septum is lifted from the surface of the nasal septum. The specific areas of the deviation or ‘bent on the septum’ are identified. These cartilaginous or bony areas are then broken or cut and removed. This is followed by stitching back the soft tissue on the septum.13Fettman N, Sanford T, Sindwani R. Surgical management of the deviated septum: techniques in septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42(2):241-viii.
This animated video shows how septoplasty is performed:
Deviated septum surgery, along with the reshaping of the nose, can fix a crooked nose. A crooked nose is considered to be a severe nasal deformity as it requires both cosmetic and functional correction. In this case, the nose appears to be C- or S-shaped or completely displaced to one side or the other.
Septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which can fix the appearance of the nose and correct the deviated nasal septum, clearing the nasal passage.14Boccieri A. The crooked nose. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2013;33(3):163-168.
The surgery involving the correction of a deviated septum is known as septoplasty. It is mostly performed by an Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).
Many Otolaryngologists are also trained to conduct facial plastic surgeries which is one of the subspecialties of Otolaryngology. It includes reconstructing and re-shaping the nose, ears, jaws, and facial area to restore or enhance function and appearance.15Canadian Society of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Next up, we cover treatments for deviated septum that do NOT involve surgery…
The quick answer is “yes” – there are natural methods that don’t require surgery (we cover them below).
But keep in mind that the effectiveness of natural methods is not backed up by scientific evidence. In other words, there are no robust scientific studies that prove natural methods can permanently fix a deviated septum.
The only thing that can do that is surgery, as we described above.
With that said, there are definitely ways you can get deviated septum relief without surgery. We cover all of those methods below.
How to Fix a Deviated Septum Without Surgery
There are many home treatments for deviated septum, including devices, supplements, medicines, herbs, exercise, and more:
Herbs for a Deviated Septum
There are several herbal oils and teas that can help with breathing problems caused by your deviated septum.
Essential Oils for a Deviated Septum
In addition to herbs, essential oils can help with breathing problems associated with a deviated septum:
Diet for a Deviated Septum
Changes to your diet can go a long way to reducing inflammation and congestion that is made worse by a deviated septum. Here are some of the foods and dietary changes you can implement at home…
Supplements for a Deviated Septum
In addition to improving your overall health, there are supplements you can take that will reduce the effect of your 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:
External Nasal Dilators
A nasal dilator is a small plastic device which 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 can enhance the airflow and reduce the impact of the deviated septum. These are known to be effective in overcoming difficulty in breathing in pregnant women and infants31Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
This device includes a face mask which covers the mouth and nose and is connected to a pump. Air is continuously passed through the nose into the respiratory tract while the affected individual is sleeping. This is mainly useful for individuals suffering from sleep apnea, due to airway obstruction caused by the deviated nasal septum32Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
Medication for a Deviated Septum
The main medications for a deviated septum reduce inflammation in the nasal passage and help to flush it out:33Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
Exercises for a Deviated Septum
There are some intriguing exercises to help 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:
Eastern Medical Techniques
There are other traditional techniques that originate from countries in Asia, notably India…
Ayurveda for a Deviated Septum
According to Ayurveda, the nose is the gateway to the brain and consciousness.
Nasyakarma is a popular treatment modality in Ayurveda, which has been advocated in disorders related to nose including deviated nasal septum. The inhalation of medicated oil through the nostrils helps eliminate mucus accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas. The patient’s body is massaged from the shoulders upwards. An exact dose of the herbal medicine is poured into the nostrils as the patient inhales. During the process, the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palm and feet are rubbed. This is highly beneficial in conditions such as sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold, and chest congestio.38Vasant L. An introduction to panchakarma. Ayurveda today. 1994; 7(1). Published by the ayurvedic Institute
Acupuncture for a Deviated Septum
Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that reduce sensitivity to pain and stress.
Nasal congestion is treated by acupuncture of the "yingxiang" point, which lies just outside the nostril. This is often chosen as massage point because patients are easily able to identify the point and perform finger massage.39Takeuchi, H., Jawad, M. S. M., & Eccles, R. (1999). The Effects of Nasal Massage of the “Yingxiang” Acupuncture Point on Nasal Airway Resistance and Sensation of Nasal Airflow in Patients with Nasal Congestion Associated with Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. American Journal of Rhinology, 13(2), 77–79.
Sources:
- 1Ketcham AS, Han JK. Complications and management of septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2010;43(4):897-904
- 2Mabry, R. L. (1988). Inferior Turbinoplasty: Patient Selection, Technique, and Long-Term Consequences. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 98(1), 60–66.
- 3Lofgren DH, Shermetaro C. Balloon Sinuplasty. [Updated 2020 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
- 4Raghunandhan S, Bansal T, Natarajan K, Kameswaran M. Efficacy & outcomes of balloon sinuplasty in chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective study. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;65(Suppl 2):314-319. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0462-9
- 5Shah J, Roxbury CR, Sindwani R. Techniques in Septoplasty: Traditional Versus Endoscopic Approaches. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018;51(5):909-917.
- 6Protsenko DE, Wong BJ. Laser-assisted straightening of deformed cartilage: numerical model. Lasers Surg Med. 2007;39(3):245-255.
- 7Sean T. Massa MD, Scott G. Walen MD. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in Otolaryngology, 2018, 59-71
- 8Septoplasty in Toronto
- 9Fettman N, Sanford T, Sindwani R. Surgical management of the deviated septum: techniques in septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42(2):241-viii.
- 10Boccieri A. The crooked nose. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2013;33(3):163-168.
- 11Canadian Society of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
- 12Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
- 13Ferrara, Lydia. (2016). Phytotherapy as a preventive and adjuvant for the rhinitis. IOSRjournal of Pharmacy. 6. 6-11.
- 14Chester AC. Chronic sinusitis. American family physician. 1996 Feb 15;53:877-94
- 15Sawani, A., Farhangi, M., N., C. A., Maul, T. M., Parthasarathy, S., Smallwood, J., & Wei, J. L. (2018). Limiting Dietary Sugar Improves Pediatric Sinonasal Symptoms and Reduces Inflammation. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(6), 527–534.
- 16Mauskop, A. (2001). ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEADACHE. Medical Clinics of North America, 85(4), 1077–1084
- 17Jiao J, Meng N, Wang H, Zhang L. The effects of vitamins C and B12 on human nasal ciliary beat frequency. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013; 13:110. Published 2013 May 20.
- 18Linday, L. A., Dolitsky, J. N., & Shindledecker, R. D. Nutritional supplements as adjunctive therapy for children with chronic/recurrent sinusitis: pilot research. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.2004; 68(6): 785–793.
- 19Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
- 20Yoga for deviated nasal septum; Soham yog mission; Retrieved on August 20,2020
- 21Abishek 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
- 22Abishek 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
- 23Takeuchi, H., Jawad, M. S. M., & Eccles, R. (1999). The Effects of Nasal Massage of the “Yingxiang” Acupuncture Point on Nasal Airway Resistance and Sensation of Nasal Airflow in Patients with Nasal Congestion Associated with Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. American Journal of Rhinology, 13(2), 77–79.
Leave a Reply