Is a deviated septum corrected only through surgery?

Question

If not, what other methods are used? And, how invasive is the surgery for it? Is it considered a minor surgery? Please provide as many tips and links you know of.

Answer 1

I got this info for you from searching the web. I, too, have a deviated septum that causes me major problems when I get a head cold. This article reads as if this MAY be the only permanent cure. However, most deviated septums don't require correction with surgery. Simple aids like Breathe Right® nasal strips can temporarily open blocked nasal passages. Have you ever tried this product? I haven't, myself.

Another article said this: "The definitive treatment is surgical repositioning of the septum, accomplished by breaking it loose and fixing it in a proper place while it heals. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine will shrink the membranes and thereby enlarge the passages. Antihistamines, nasal cortisone spray, and other allergy treatments may also be temporarily beneficial.
Alternative treatment:

As a palliative, saline drops and sprays are very helpful in loosening mucus in the obstructed side and preventing drying in the other side, where all the air blows. Hot peppers, such as jalapenos, can produce enough tears and discharge to flush out a stopped-up nose. An even more effective treatment is called a nasal lavage, often done using a small pot with a spout. Saline solution is poured into one nostril and allowed to flow out the other nostril.

Then, the process is repeated in reverse. These therapies are all useful to take care of symptoms, but do not correct the problem. Nasospecific, a procedure where a deflated balloon is inserted in the nostril and inflated to a large enough degree to adjust the septal deviation, can be an alternative to surgery. A trained practitioner in the nasospecific procedure is necessary."http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/deviated-septum

Septoplasty: Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed entirely through the nostrils, accordingly, no bruising or external signs occur. The surgery might be combined with a rhinoplasty, in which case the external appearance of the nose is altered and swelling/bruising of the face is evident. Septoplasty may also be combined with sinus surgery.

The time required for the operation averages about one to one and a half hours, depending on the deviation. It can be done with a local or a general anesthetic, and is usually done on an outpatient basis. After the surgery, nasal packing is inserted to prevent excessive postoperative bleeding. During the surgery, badly deviated portions of the septum may be removed entirely, or they may be readjusted and reinserted into the nose.

If a deviated nasal septum is the sole cause for your chronic sinusitis, relief from this severe disorder will be achieved.

Answer 2

I've been told by someone who has dealt with it that surgery is the only way to correct it if it is bad enough, but I would recommend talking to your dr about this and see about having this evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. They can give you more clues about this.

I may be having to do the same, to see an ENT to see about mine and whether or not I'm going to have to have it surgically corrected.

Answer 3

getting a deviated septum fixed isnt really that bad. they knock you out and you wake with cotton stuffed in your nose. it is basicly like rinoplasty (nose job) you might get black eyes and then there is all the blood boogers and disinagrating stiches that come out for a few days or week as it heals. the bump in my nose is gone and i can breathe better i think it was worth it to me. you just have to weight it out for your self

cb