While the definitive treatment option for deviated nasal septum (DNS) is a surgical procedure called—septoplasty, performed by Best ENT specialist in Islamabad there are ways to lessen the discomfort with medication. Read on to know ways to deal with deviated nasal septum:

1.    Antiallergy medication

Exposure to allergens triggers inflammation in people with deviated nasal septum which causes congestion. This discomfort and inflammation can be managed by pre-medicating with antiallergy drugs known as antihistamines. These drugs are available in the form of tablets and nasal sprays. The second-generation antihistamines cause less drowsiness and interfere less with driving and working.

2.    Nasal dilators

Nasal passages can be dilated mechanically to decrease the resistance to air and making breathing easier. There are two types of nasal dilators available: internal and external. The internal dilators are put inside the nose, while the external dilators exert the force from outside.

3.    Nasal steroids

Steroids help to manage inflammation, which is seen often in people with deviated nasal septum. Nasal steroids are one of the go-to drugs for DNS and the management of symptoms. However, their use should only be limited to acute episodes as prescribed by the healthcare provider or the prolonged use may cause a number of side-effects.

4.    Nasal strips

These are like band-aids that open up the nasal passages for better airflow. It is recommended to use nasal strips before going to bed.

5.    Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation helps to clear out mucus from the nose, and relieves sinus pressure. It works simply by putting normal saline solution in the nose, which is available in all local pharmacies, and it clears out the nasal passage. It is also effective in boosting the ciliary clearance of mucus, which are the natural hair lining the nose.

6.    Nasal valve support

A nasal valve is put inside the nose to minimize the obstruction to airflow in the front part of the nose. This device improves the congestion associated with deviated nasal septum and doesn’t cause any discomfort, and is not visible to others.

7.    Use of humidifier or vaporizer

Dry air, as seen in winters due to indoor heating, can worsen the symptoms of deviated nasal septum. A vaporizer or humidifier works by adding moisture to the air, so there is no breathing in of the dry air. Humid air is better at relieving stuffy nose, especially if there is concurrent sinusitis.

8.    Avoidance of irritants

As mentioned before, allergens are the biggest triggers for making congestion worse in people with deviated nasal septum. In fact, this is the reason why the symptoms are worse in spring and fall. If you know what your irritants are, you should avoid them, or take medication before exposure to them. Some of the known irritants include: dust mites, animal dander, pollen, chemical fumes, perfumes and paint. Staying away from these irritants can help avoid congestion.

9.    Breathing retraining therapy

The technique of breathing retraining therapy is an old one; however, it is rarely used these days. This technique is designed to improve the breathing pattern in patients with deviated nasal septum as, such patients tend to over-breathe. The idea of this technique is to normalize this hyperventilation and retrain the body into taking long, deep breaths instead.

10. A hot shower

A hot bath works in a similar way to a humidifier. The bottom-line is to breathe in moist air that calms the dryness-induced irritation inside the nose and reduce nasal congestion. Simply taking a hot shower is therefore, very helpful for people with deviated nasal septum.

More information for managing deviated nasal septum and booking an appointment with a specialist is available at oladoc.com.