How to Fix Deviated septum at Home

How to Fix Deviated septum at Home-various aspects-

If you possess a deviated septum, it indicates that the slender barrier delineating your nasal cavity is not aligned correctly. This issue is unexpectedly prevalent—up to 80% of individuals experience a deviated septum.

A deviated septum doesn’t necessarily lead to complications. Often, individuals might not even realize they have one. However, there are instances when the effects of a deviated septum can be more severe and impact your life’s quality.

The positive aspect is that there are methods to manage troublesome symptoms effectively. So, what is the most effective treatment for a deviated septum? Are there available medications? And what are the consequences if you leave a deviated septum untreated? Continue reading to discover efficient treatments.

How to manage a deviated septum at home

A deviated septum decreases the space in one of your nasal passages – sometimes slightly, and other times significantly. If your nasal passage is very narrow, it’s more probable that it will become obstructed, leading to troublesome symptoms.

However, a nasal deviation is not the sole cause of possible nasal symptoms. If the tissues lining your nose are swollen or inflamed, this can further constrict an already small area – aggravating nasal congestion and breathing difficulties.

While treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and swelling in your nasal cavity will not correct a deviated septum, they can help lessen or eliminate your symptoms – as well as lower your risk of developing nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and other issues relating to your nose. Potential options may include:

Treating allergies and asthma

Respiratory issues lead to heightened inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages. For individuals with a deviated septum, this is why it is crucial to manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies or asthma effectively.

If you are uncertain about having allergies or have struggled to manage your symptoms, schedule a visit with your primary care physician.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Nasal sprays are utilized to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages and can assist with drainage. These sprays are typically safe for daily use, but it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any new medication. Well-known brands of over-the-counter corticosteroid sprays include Flonase, Rinocort, and Nasacort.

Decongestants

Decongestants are drugs that can be used for a deviated septum by diminishing the swelling in your nose, aiding in the opening of your airways. However, decongestants should not be used for more than a few consecutive days without a doctor’s advice. Frequent use of decongestants can elevate your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is possible to become reliant on decongestants, and your symptoms may worsen if you cease taking them.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can assist in avoiding a blocked or runny nose. Though typically utilized for allergies, these medications may also be beneficial for nonallergic issues. The drawback is that they may cause drowsiness, which can impede your ability to drive or engage in physical activities.

Using a humidifier

Dry air may irritate the inner lining of your nose. Utilizing a humidifier adds moisture to the air, soothing your nasal passages and facilitating easier breathing.

Saline rinses

Employing a neti pot or saline spray hydrates the nasal passages and decreases inflammation. Neti pots and saline sprays can be purchased at pharmacies or online.

Quitting smoking

Among individuals with a deviated septum, smokers experience more intense symptoms compared to nonsmokers and require a greater amount of medication to manage their symptoms effectively. This is due to smoking diminishing your body’s inherent defenses and irritating the nasal passages. Stopping smoking can assist in lessening nasal inflammation – and enhance the quality of your life in numerous other aspects.

Can you fix a deviated septum without surgery?

Although you can alleviate the symptoms of a deviated septum with at-home treatments, it is generally not feasible to rectify a deviated septum without surgical intervention. The exception pertains to a deviated septum resulting from a recent injury.

If you have the opportunity to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist within 48 hours, it’s possible they might be able to realign the septum back to its original position. However, refrain from attempting to correct your nasal septum on your own as this may lead to further injury.

Surgical options for a deviated septum

If home treatments for a deviated septum do not offer relief, it might be time to think about surgery to correct your deviated septum. So, what exactly is deviated septum surgery?

Septoplasty to repair your deviated septum

The procedure designed to correct a deviated septum is known as a septoplasty.

Typically, the procedure does not alter the external shape of your nose; instead, it addresses the internal issues within your nose. However, if your septum is exceedingly crooked, the surgery could result in a straighter appearance of your nose.

Septoplasty consists of straightening the nasal septum and repositioning it at the center of your nose. During the procedure, your physician might need to excise portions of the septum before relocating them to the correct position. They might also utilize cartilage grafts to remedy the deviation.

Once your deviated septum has been repaired, your doctor may insert splints or soft plastic sheets within your nose to facilitate the healing of the septum in a straight manner.

The surgery generally lasts around an hour and is conducted under either local or general anesthesia. At HealthPartners, our surgeons collaborate with you to select the sedation that aligns with your needs and preferences. We’ll ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the surgery.

Rhinoplasty to change the shape of your nose

Individuals occasionally opt to undergo a cosmetic procedure known as a rhinoplasty concurrently with their septoplasty surgery. This combined operation is frequently referred to as a septorhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty rectifies the exterior of your nose and can eliminate the visible signs of a deviated septum. If your nose is crooked or bent, rhinoplasty can be utilized to:

Reshape cartilage to modify the tip of your nose
Eliminate a hump by shaving down bones
Correct the deviation by fracturing and resetting the nasal bones
Timeline for deviated septum surgery recovery

How long does it take for a septum to recover after surgery? It typically takes around 3 months for a nasal septum to completely heal. However, you should begin to observe some enhancements in your symptoms and breathing within 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Here’s the usual timeline for recovery from deviated septum surgery:

The day of deviated septum surgery

You should be able to leave the hospital on the same day as the procedure, but you won’t be able to drive. Therefore, it’s a good idea to arrange for transportation beforehand.

After surgery for a deviated septum, you probably won’t experience much pain, but your nose will be tender, and you may have bloody discharge from your nose. You will also feel blocked and likely won’t be able to breathe through your nose. Your doctor will suggest or prescribe medications to help alleviate pain or discomfort as you recover.

The week of deviated septum surgery

You’ll go back to the clinic a few days after your surgery for a follow-up visit. The doctor will check your nose to see how it’s healing. They will also take out splints or packing materials that are inside your nose.

1-2 weeks after deviated septum surgery

Within 1-2 weeks of surgery, you should start to feel better and experience less discomfort, swelling, and discharge. You should also notice reduced congestion and be able to breathe through your nose again.

Many individuals feel prepared to go back to work a week after the surgery.

3-4 weeks after deviated septum surgery

Your nose will feel much better, and you should see considerable improvement in your breathing. Your nostrils may still appear uneven as the nasal septum heals and the swelling subsides.

5-6 weeks after deviated septum surgery

The issues related to your deviated septum should be mostly resolved. Consult your doctor if you are still facing breathing difficulties, congestion, or headaches – or if your nostrils remain looking uneven.

Can a deviated septum come back after surgery?

Yes, it is possible for a deviated septum to return post-surgery, although it is quite uncommon. If this occurs, your physician might recommend revision surgery to correct the deviated septum, an alternate surgical procedure, or non-surgical alternatives.

Self-care: What to expect after deviated septum surgery
The healing process varies for each individual. Your physician will give you specific guidance on what you need to do following the surgery. Here are some self-care tips after your procedure:

Don’t blow your nose for a week – Although you may feel stuffed up, you should refrain from blowing your nose for at least a week. Blowing your nose can disrupt the healing process.
Ice your face – Regular application of ice packs to your nose, eyes, and cheeks will assist in minimizing swelling and enhancing comfort during the first few days after surgery.
Rinse your nose with saline – Performing a saline rinse with a neti pot or squeeze bottle can gently clear out the mucus in your nasal passages and alleviate congestion. It’s advised to rinse 2-4 times daily throughout the initial week.
Avoid heavy exercise – Exercising elevates blood circulation throughout your body, including your nose. Light walking should be acceptable, but you must refrain from intense exercise until you receive approval from your physician—typically in two weeks.
Keep your head elevated – Bending over or lying down sends more blood to your nose. In the first few days post-surgery, having additional blood in your nose could lead to a nosebleed. Therefore, you should keep your head up as much as possible. When sleeping, elevate your head using pillows.
Don’t smoke or drink – Smoking and drinking raise inflammation in your body, making it more difficult to heal. It’s advisable to avoid smoking and drinking for two weeks, or longer if feasible.
Watch what you eat and drink – Avoid consuming hot or spicy foods during the first few days following surgery, as they can be irritating and cause nasal discharge. It’s also crucial to ensure you are adequately hydrated—your body finds it challenging to heal when dehydrated.

Does insurance cover surgery for a deviated septum?

The positive aspect is that a majority of insurance providers will cover at least part of the surgical costs if it is deemed medically necessary to alleviate nasal issues like an obstructed airway, breathing difficulties, or persistent sinusitis.

If septorhinoplasty (or rhinoplasty) is performed solely for aesthetic reasons, it will not be financed by insurance, and you will be responsible for the entire expense out-of-pocket.

Your expenses will also be influenced by your copayment or coinsurance, outstanding deductible, and the costs associated with services that are not covered. Your insurance policy can assist in identifying what expenses you will be liable for. If you have HealthPartners insurance, you may reach out to member services for additional details.

Is it beneficial to address a deviated septum?

Corrective surgery for a deviated septum is a common procedure and is typically safe; nevertheless, it is still considered major surgery. Therefore, when pondering whether the operation would be beneficial for you, take into account your symptoms and the severity of your deviated septum.

Symptoms resulting from your deviated septum—like breathing difficulties and headaches caused by nasal obstruction—might completely diminish.

However, symptoms stemming from soft tissues, such as nasal congestion due to asthma or allergies, will not resolve post-surgery, and you will probably have to continue managing those symptoms using home remedies.

What occurs if a deviated septum remains untreated?
Should you have a significantly deviated septum and do not seek treatment, it may lead to issues such as:

Dryness in the mouth due to breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
Discomfort from pressure in your nasal passages triggered by congestion
Disrupted sleep or sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Seeking treatment can enhance your breathing and sleep quality, as well as decrease the frequency of headaches and infections you experience.

If your deviated septum is minor, undergoing surgery may not hold much benefit. In cases where your symptoms are troublesome, it is more probable that they are associated with other conditions—such as allergies, asthma, or chronic sinusitis. Consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and the options available for managing them.

Treatment for your deviated septum can ease your breathing.
Living with an untreated deviated septum can negatively impact your quality of life. If you find it challenging to manage your symptoms through home remedies, it is time to seek assistance.

If you wish to manage your symptoms without undergoing surgery, scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician is a suitable starting point. However, if you are contemplating whether surgery might be a viable choice, consider making an appointment with an ENT specialist. In any case, our doctors will collaborate with you to create a treatment strategy that will enhance your breathing.