Deviated Septum Surgery Alternatives

A deviated septum is a common condition in which the thin wall that separates the two airflow chambers inside the nose is offset to one side or the other. The condition does not cause noticeable symptoms in many people, but some encounter complications such as frequent sinus infections, congestion, nosebleeds and difficulty breathing. Surgery can correct the deviated septum, but this treatment may not be necessary. There are alternatives to surgery that can work to manage symptoms for some patients.

Decongestants

• Decongestants are commonly available without a prescription and may control symptoms of a deviated septum enough to eliminate the need for surgery. These medications come in pill and spray form. Decongestants work by reducing the amount of nasal congestion that forms in the airways constricted by the deviation. When a slightly deviated septum is causing difficulty breathing, a decongestant can open up the air passage enough for normal breathing.

  Nasal spray decongestants should be used with caution. There is a chance that frequent users of nasal spray can develop a dependency on the product and experience worse symptoms any time they do not have it. The reason for this increase in congestion is the system rebounding once the spray supply is stopped.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines are medications available over the counter and by prescription that block the causes of allergic reactions. Often these medications are used to prevent itching, water eyes, sneezing and runny noses. Preventing a runny nose is important to those with a deviated septum since the mucous can easily clog the narrow nasal passage. This clogging can lead to difficulty breathing and increase the odds of a sinus infection.

  While over the counter antihistamines can work well, a prescription version of these drugs is less likely to accompany side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth and blurry vision. This is important for people with a deviated septum that also need to work, go to school or operate a car or machinery while they take the medication.

Nasal Cortisone

• Cortisone is a steroid hormone that is present in some nasal sprays. Nasal cortisone sprays deliver the steroid directly to the mucous membrane and force the body to absorb minimal amounts of the steroid. Although doctors have not been able to determine exactly why, these types of steroids reduce inflammation, including any swelling of the nasal passages. The reduction in swelling helps ward off runny noses and reduces the chance of nasal blockage and infections.