Deviated Septum Treatment: Types of Surgery, Natural Home Remedies & More…

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:

Fix a deviated septum with surgery – various types of surgery
Fix a deviated septum without surgery – various natural methods, devices and more

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
Turbinoplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty
Endoscopy Surgery
Laser Irradiation
Rhinoplasty

Septoplasty

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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

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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

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Turbinoplasty surgery is a procedure performed to remove a part of swollen turbinates in order to improve the nasal airway.

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

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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

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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 65-70^oC. 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

How much does it cost to fix a deviated septum?

The average cost of the conventional septoplasty procedure in the US ranges from USD $5,000 to $13,000.

The cost varies according to local standards, complexity of the nose to be operated, surgeon’s expertise, reputation, clinical experience, and operating room’s fees.¹²Septoplasty in Toronto - SpaMedica

How long is deviated septum surgery?

It takes 1- 1.5 hours to complete a septoplasty surgery. This may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Do they break your nose to fix a deviated septum?

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.

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This animated video shows how septoplasty is performed:

Will deviated septum surgery fix a crooked nose?

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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.

What doctor would I see to fix a deviated septum?

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…

Can You Fix Deviated Septum Without 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.

The use of herbal medicine Sinupret which contains powdered herbal extracts of European elder flower (Sambucus nigra), garden sorrel herb (Rumex acetosa), cowslip flower (Primula veris), European vervain herb (Verbena officinalis), and gentian root (Gentiana lutea), decreases the nasal mucous secretions and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent¹⁶Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
Intake of GeloMyrtol capsules (30 mg limonene, 30 mg cineol, and 8 mg alpha-pinene), a herbal medicine product, is effective in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of nose and sinus lining)¹⁷Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
A tea obtained by mixing Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaves 25 g; Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) 25 g; Peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita) leaves 25 g; Seneca snakeroot (Polygala senega roots) 25 g acts as an effective decongestant¹⁸Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
Intake of herbs such as Feverfew (Tanaceturn parthenium), Butterbur root (Petasites hybridus), Guarana (Paullinia cupana), Ginger (Zingiber oficinale), Gingko (Gingko biloba), and Valerian root (Valeriana oficinalis) may help individuals with headaches associated with deviated nasal septum¹⁹Ferrara, Lydia. (2016). Phytotherapy as a preventive and adjuvant for the rhinitis. IOSRjournal of Pharmacy. 6. 6-11.
Turmeric, honey, and ginger have an anti-inflammatory effect and can aid in reducing inflammation of nose and sinus²⁰Ferrara, Lydia. (2016). Phytotherapy as a preventive and adjuvant for the rhinitis. IOSRjournal of Pharmacy. 6. 6-11.

Essential Oils for a Deviated Septum

In addition to herbs, essential oils can help with breathing problems associated with a deviated septum:

External application of essential oils of eucalyptus leaf and branch (Eucalyptus globulus), peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita), and mugo pine (Pinus mugo) inhibit the growth of the microorganisms and decrease the excess the formation of mucus (slimy substance), reducing the nasal congestion and instilling relaxing effects. The oils should not be applied to infants due to the danger of bronchospasm (narrowing of airway)²¹Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
Use of menthol, camphor and 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) also leads to improvement in the nasal airflow²²Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
Inhalation of steam, combined with essential oils derived from German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) acts as a decongestant, decreases mucus in the nostrils, and has anti-inflammatory action²³Ferrara, Lydia. (2016). Phytotherapy as a preventive and adjuvant for the rhinitis. IOSRjournal of Pharmacy. 6. 6-11.

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…

Studies have linked certain foods such as milk, wheat, and red wine to complaints of nasal stuffiness, facial pressure, and fatigue. Reducing intake of these may be beneficial²⁴Chester AC. Chronic sinusitis. American family physician. 1996 Feb 15;53:877-94
Restricting sugar consumption can be useful as studies have found an association between high consumption of sugars with increased inflammatory stress, sinus, and nasal symptoms²⁵Sawani, 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.
Use of spicy foods (i.e., garlic, horseradish root, cayenne pepper) may help clear the sinuses, as they have anti-inflammatory properties²⁶Chester AC. Chronic sinusitis. American family physician. 1996 Feb 15;53:877-94
Research suggests that low magnesium levels in the body can cause headaches. So, magnesium-rich foods (such as black-eyed peas, soy nuts, cooked beans, tofu, almonds, cashews, and flaxseed) can help. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 (found in milk, cheese, eggs, leaf vegetables, liver, kidneys, lean meats, and legumes) are also effective in relieving headaches²⁷Mauskop, A. (2001). ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEADACHE. Medical Clinics of North America, 85(4), 1077–1084

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:

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant in the respiratory tract. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent. Vitamin C can help in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis²⁸Jiao 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.
Vitamin A and D also have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to reduce the inflammation of nose and surrounding sinuses²⁹Linday, 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.
Omega-3 fatty acid, an anti-inflammatory, can also be effective in the treatment of children with chronic and/or recurrent sinusitis³⁰Linday, 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.

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)

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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)

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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)

Decongestants: Decongestants are considered first line of drugs for the treatment of nasal congestion. They are available in oral and topical (applied on surface of skin) forms
Antihistamines: These are anti-allergic. They are useful for relieving nasal inflammation caused due to allergic conditions
Steroids: These are anti-inflammatory agents. For nasal congestion, topical nasal administration is recommended as it yields better results.
Antibiotics: In cases of nasal and sinus infection, antibiotics are recommended. These aid in eliminating microbial growth

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:

Pranayama for nose blockage help maintain circulation in the respiratory organs by prolonging the inhalation and exhalation cycle.³⁴Yoga for deviated nasal septum; Soham yog mission; Retrieved on August 20,2020

Bhramari pranayama is a yogic breathing technique which relieves anxiety; it is safe and easy to do. The vibrations produced during the humming sound may help in the ventilation and drainage of the sinuses by dislodging the mucous and reducing mucosal edema. The pranayama is to be practiced for 5 minutes twice daily³⁵Abishek 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

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Bhrastrika and Kapalbhati pranayams are other breathing exercises that could be useful³⁶Abishek 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

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Sarvangasana or ‘shoulder stand’ helps in clearing the nasal blockage and enhances the nasal airflow³⁷Abishek 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

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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

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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:

1
Ketcham AS, Han JK. Complications and management of septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2010;43(4):897-904
2
Mabry, R. L. (1988). Inferior Turbinoplasty: Patient Selection, Technique, and Long-Term Consequences. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 98(1), 60–66.
3
Lofgren DH, Shermetaro C. Balloon Sinuplasty. [Updated 2020 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
4
Raghunandhan 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
5
Shah J, Roxbury CR, Sindwani R. Techniques in Septoplasty: Traditional Versus Endoscopic Approaches. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018;51(5):909-917.
6
Protsenko DE, Wong BJ. Laser-assisted straightening of deformed cartilage: numerical model. Lasers Surg Med. 2007;39(3):245-255.
7
Sean T. Massa MD, Scott G. Walen MD. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in Otolaryngology, 2018, 59-71
8
Septoplasty in Toronto
9
Fettman N, Sanford T, Sindwani R. Surgical management of the deviated septum: techniques in septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42(2):241-viii.
10
Boccieri A. The crooked nose. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2013;33(3):163-168.
11
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
12
Ciuman RR. Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269(2):389-397.
13
Ferrara, Lydia. (2016). Phytotherapy as a preventive and adjuvant for the rhinitis. IOSRjournal of Pharmacy. 6. 6-11.
14
Chester AC. Chronic sinusitis. American family physician. 1996 Feb 15;53:877-94
15
Sawani, 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.
16
Mauskop, A. (2001). ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEADACHE. Medical Clinics of North America, 85(4), 1077–1084
17
Jiao 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.
18
Linday, 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.
19
Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9)
20
Yoga for deviated nasal septum; Soham yog mission; Retrieved on August 20,2020
21
Abishek 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
22
Abishek 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
23
Takeuchi, 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.