What medicine is good for a deviated nasal septum?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 25, 2024
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Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common ENT disorder, and typically it does not require medication for treatment. This is because the deviation of the nasal septum is primarily due to either bony or cartilaginous bends, which are difficult to effectively treat with medications. Medications cannot correct a deviated septum. If the nasal septum deviation is severe and accompanied by related clinical symptoms, surgery may be considered for correction. A common procedure is the endoscopic nasal septum deviation correction surgery, which is minimally invasive and generally has good outcomes. If the deviation is minor and does not present any clinical signs, observation may be sufficient without the need for specific treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat a deviated nasal septum?

The treatment of a deviated nasal septum primarily depends on the severity of the condition. If it is a minor deviation without noticeable clinical symptoms, most people can simply be observed and may not require specific treatment. However, if the deviation is significant and accompanied by clinical symptoms, such as frequent poor nasal ventilation, particularly blocked nostrils on the deviated side, as well as possible nosebleeds or headaches, surgery might be considered. Currently, corrective surgery for a deviated nasal septum under endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. Although there are certain risks associated with the surgery, the overall risk is not high. After surgical treatment, most patients are able to recover normally.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum cause nosebleeds?

Deviated nasal septum refers to the fracture of the cartilage of the nasal septum, deviating toward one or both nasal cavities. Patients with a deviated nasal septum are prone to bleeding, and this bleeding tends to recur. This is because after the cartilage of the nasal septum deviates toward one side of the nasal cavity, continuous breathing causes the airflow to rub against the protruding nasal mucosal tissue of the deviated side. Additionally, after the deviation, the nasal mucosal tissue itself becomes thinner. Under these conditions, the thinner mucosal tissue at the deviated part is more likely to rupture and get damaged, making it prone to erosion and bleeding, and the blood vessels are also more likely to rupture, leading to bleeding. In summary, a deviated nasal septum can lead to nosebleeds.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink alcohol with a deviated nasal septum?

Deviated nasal septum should not be associated with excessive drinking. Deviated nasal septum occurs either from abnormal development during the embryonic stage or from later trauma to the nasal cavity or tumor compression, leading to the septum bending to one side. This condition can cause persistent nasal congestion, which progressively worsens over time. Moreover, when the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, it can lead to thinning of the nasal septum mucosa. Drinking alcohol can cause the nasal mucosa to become congested and swollen, which may lead to the rupture of local blood vessels and severe nasal bleeding. Since the blood vessels in the nasal septum are arteries, the bleeding can be substantial. Therefore, it is crucial for patients not to consume alcohol. If a patient experiences severe nasal congestion and significant nasal bleeding, they should seek medical treatment for correction of the deviated septum, which can be curative.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What are the dangers of a deviated septum?

The main harms of a deviated nasal septum include several points, mainly causing uncomfortable symptoms. Firstly, the most common symptom is nasal congestion, which is often unilateral, meaning one side of the nose is blocked depending on the side the septum is deviated towards while the other side remains relatively normal. Severe deviation to one side can cause blocked sensation in the nose, or it can affect both sides leading to bilateral congestion. The type of deviation, such as a simple deviation or an S-shaped one where both the front and back are deviated in different directions, can result in blockage in both nasal passages. Another issue is nosebleeds. Sometimes, the deviated septum can form a sharp edge, making the nasal mucosa fragile or piercing other areas, which can easily cause bleeding. Additionally, it can cause headaches due to the pressure exerted on the concha of the opposite side by the deviated septum. It also leads to conditions like rhinitis and sinusitis because the deviation affects the drainage of the nasal cavities and sinuses, resulting in secondary sinusitis, which causes long-term headaches, discomfort, and a series of sinusitis symptoms.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do people with a deviated nasal septum faint?

A simple deviation of the nasal septum generally does not cause people to faint. Common clinical symptoms of a deviated nasal septum include repeated nasal congestion, runny nose, and nosebleeds. Some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, and snoring during sleep, but generally, consciousness remains clear without episodes of fainting. If fainting occurs, it is necessary to investigate other potential issues, such as fluctuations in blood pressure, low blood sugar, or problems related to blood vessels or nerves in the head. It is generally advised to first consult with a neurology department to investigate the specific causes of the fainting. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe, considering surgery might be an option.