How Do You Fix a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum is a medical condition in which the thin wall between your nasal passages, also known as the nasal septum, deviates from its central position.

Typically, the nasal septum sits at the centre thereby allowing for equal air passage through both nostrils. However, the septum is displaced to one side in individuals with a deviated septum which creates an imbalance in the size of nasal passages with one nostril smaller than the other.

The existence of a deviated septum leads to a host of challenges, especially difficulty in breathing. This is caused by the obstruction in one of the nasal passages which significantly restricts the flow of air through the nose. The decreased airflow through the narrower nasal passage can create a sense of discomfort while inhaling or exhaling.

In some cases, the deviated septum can dry out as a result of exposure to the altered airflow pattern. The drying out of nasal tissues results in crusting, and since these tissues are delicate, they can get damaged which results in nosebleeds for some.

Therefore, a deviated septum can significantly affect your quality of life especially if the deviation is severe. Treatment options range from managing the symptoms through medication and non-surgical methods to corrective surgical procedures, like septoplasty and rhinoplasty. 

The main cause of a deviated septum is due to typical development, this is when the septum expands along with the nose as it grows, occasionally moving to one side.

A deviated septum may result from an injury to the nose. Sporting events, slips and falls, car crashes, or getting hit in the nose can all result in nasal injuries. Additionally, a deviated septum may be congenital, or present from birth. The irregularity could be the result of a challenging birth or a connective tissue disorder. 

Most septal displacements go unnoticed, and you might not even be aware that your septum is deviated. However, certain septal deformities may result in the following symptoms:

• Dry mouth and throat due to only being comfortable breathing through your mouth. 
• Nosebleeds. Your nasal septum's surface could dry out, which would make nosebleeds more likely. 
• Facial discomfort. There is some disagreement about whether or not a nasal problem could be the cause of facial pain. However, a significantly deviated septum, in which surfaces inside the nose touch and exert pressure, may be the source of one-sided facial pain. 
• Blocked nostrils. Breathing via the nostril(s) may be challenging due to a deviated septum. When you have a cold or allergies, which can make your nasal passages enlarge and constrict, your nasal passage might shrink further.  
• Pressure or congestion in your nose, even when you are feeling well, which could feel stuffy or compress your airways. 
• Awareness of the nasal cycle. The nose naturally alternates between being blocked on one side and then being blocked on the other—due to the nasal cycle.  Being acutely aware of the nasal cycle is unusual and may point to a nasal obstruction. 
• Snoring or noisy breathing. One of the various causes of noisy breathing or snoring whilst you sleep may be a deviated septum or an enlargement of the tissues in your nose. 
• Preference for sleeping on a certain side. If one nasal tube is restricted, some people might prefer to sleep on a specific side to improve nighttime nasal breathing. 

The surgical procedure for deviated septum, medically known as septoplasty, is a medical involves reconstructing nasal passages for functional benefit. The primary goal of the surgery is to straighten the nasal septum thereby improving airflow through the nose and alleviating the symptoms associated with the deviation.

The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and does not involve any external incisions. Surgeons access the septum through the nostrils where they carefully cut, reposition and remove parts of the bone and cartilage to achieve better alignment.

In some cases, a rhinoplasty, which reshapes the external appearance of the nose, can be performed concurrently with septoplasty for cosmetic reasons. 

The benefits of deviated septum surgery include addressing any symptoms associated with septal deviation. The procedure can improve breathing function by enhancing the passage of air through the nose. It can also treat headaches, sinus pain and frequent nosebleeds. When combined with rhinoplasty, it can improve the overall appearance of the nose as well. 

Non-invasive treatments for a deviated septum include specific sprays, decongestants and antihistamines. These treatments focus on managing symptoms, especially for individuals experiencing mild to moderate discomfort as a result of the septal deviation.

How to fix a deviated septum at home:

• Nasal Steroid Sprays: Prescribed to reduce nasal inflammation, these sprays help to ease breathing through the nostrils by decreasing swelling in the nasal passages.
• Decongestants: These medicines work by shrinking swollen tissues in the nasal passages thus facilitating easier airflow. However, they are meant for short-term use to prevent potential rebound congestion.
• Antihistamines: For individuals experiencing exacerbated symptoms as a result of allergies, antihistamines can help manage allergic reactions thus reducing nasal congestion and improving breathing.
• Nasal Strips: These strips can be applied to the outside of the nose to help widen the nasal passages. They are capable of offering temporary relief from blocked airflow and can improve sleep as well.
• Saline Sprays: Also known as rinses, saline sprays can help relieve irritation by keeping the nasal passages moist and clear of allergens.
• Humidifiers: Especially useful during dry months, humidifiers help soothe irritated nasal tissues and thin mucus in the nasal passages by adding moisture to the air.

While these non-invasive treatments can provide relief, they do not correct the underlying structural issues associated with a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty for men and women is a surgical procedure for deviated septum that provides more permanent results.