The nasal septum, the cartilage and mucous wall that separates the nasal cavity into two halves, ideally should be centered midline on the nose creating two equally sized nasal passages. In reality, however, up to 80 percent of all people, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, have a nasal septum that is off-centered. A deviated nasal septum is one that is severely off-center, causing a variety of problems including chronic sinus infections and difficulty breathing. Treatment options to either fix the deviation or reduce the symptoms caused by it include surgery, medications and nasal strips.
Surgery
Surgery, called a septoplasty, is the only way to straighten a deviated septum. This is often the preferred treatment method for those with a severe deviation that causes continual sinus problems such as chronic congestion, frequent infections, nose bleeds, facial pain and headaches. Septoplasty is the third most common head and neck surgery performed, according to the Obstructed Nose website.
There are two common types of septoplasty. The procedure most preferred by physicians is the minimally invasive powered septoplasty which uses an instrument called a microdebrider to strip away the mucous membrane and cartilage that is causing the problem. This method does not require an outside incision and reduces the risk of a septal perforation which is a hole in the nasal septum.
A submucous resection, the traditional surgical method, involves an outside incision to allow access to the mucous lining of the nasal septum.
Medications
A minor deviated septum often only causes intermittent problems, such as minor snoring or an occasional stuffy nose. These symptoms can be treated with medications including antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays.
Antihistamines work by blocking the cells lining the nose from producing liquids, which reduces the mucous obstructions in the passages. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels in the nose, opening up the nasal passages. Nasal cortisone sprays help to reduce inflammation of the mucous lining in the nose which reduces the occurrence of obstructions and sinus infections.
Nasal Strips
Nasal strips are bandage-like pieces of tape that contain small plastic springs. The strip is worn across the bridge of the nose and the spring action pulls open the nostrils helping to increase air flow. These nasal strips do not actually have any effect on the nasal septum, but for only minor deviations these strips can open up the nasal passages enough to reduce the symptoms caused by the deviated septum.
