![A deviated septum does not always need treatment. In patients who have a badly deviated septum, a surgery called a septoplasty is used to straighten a crooked septum. Nasal sprays do not help a deviated septum.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/does-nasal-spray-help-deviated-septum.jpg?output-quality=75)
A deviated septum does not always need treatment. In patients who have a badly deviated septum, a surgery called a septoplasty is used to straighten a crooked septum.
Nasal sprays do not help a deviated septum. There are several types of nasal spray that work in different ways.
- Saline nasal sprays can clear nasal passages
- Glucocorticoid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation inside the nasal cavity and sinuses
- Antihistamine nasal sprays have some anti-inflammatory effects and can relieve nasal congestion
- Decongestant nasal sprays shrink swollen nasal passages
If you have a cold, a stuffy nose, or allergies as well as a deviated septum, some of these sprays may alleviate symptoms, but none of them correct a deviated septum. Surgery is the only way to fix a deviated septum.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The nose is divided into two nostrils by bone and cartilage called a septum. When the septum is off-center, it is called a deviated septum.
A deviated septum is a very common problem and it is estimated that up to 80% of people have one.
What Are Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum may not cause any symptoms. If you have a deviated septum, you may experience the following:
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
In some cases, people are born with a deviated septum, and in other cases a deviated septum may be caused by any injury or trauma to the nose.
How Is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?
A deviated septum is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination of the inside of the nose.
Tests used to diagnose a deviated septum include:
- Nasal endoscopy
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the inside of the nose and sinuses
What Are Complications of a Deviated Septum?
Complications of a deviated septum may include:
- Repeated nosebleeds
- Mouth-breathing at night, which can worsen sleep disorders
Complications from surgery to fix a deviated septum (septoplasty) can include:
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