Can Medication Effectively Treat Nasal Septum Deviation?

Can a deviated septum be treated with medication?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I noticed that I don't have any cold symptoms, but I experience nasal congestion that shifts depending on my position, although it's not completely blocked.
Is there a way to treat this with medication? I also don't have any issues with nosebleeds.
Additionally, my ears are moist, so I clean them almost daily, but I've read online that daily cleaning can cause tinnitus and hearing loss.
Is this true? How should I clean my moist ears?

Xiao Wu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/13

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, Xiao Wu.
The issue you raised may be related to allergic rhinitis.
Here are some relevant points: The primary triggers are individual predisposition and environmental allergens.
If one parent has allergic rhinitis, the likelihood of their child developing it is four times higher.
The most common allergen is dust mites, followed by animals, insects, mold, and pollen.

For treatment, oral medications and nasal sprays are typically used first, and surgery may be considered if necessary.
The main medications include oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroid sprays, often used in combination.
Depending on the situation, local antihistamines/vasoconstrictors or oral leukotriene receptor antagonists may also be employed.
Early antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth, but newer generation antihistamines have significantly reduced these side effects.
If symptoms do not improve with medication and there is significant structural obstruction, such as a deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, or nasal valve narrowing, appropriate surgical intervention may be necessary.
Recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed, which require shorter operation times and do not necessitate hospitalization.
To avoid allergens and reduce irritants, it is important to wear masks, maintain a clean home environment, regularly wash bedding, avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature/humidity, and minimize exposure to air pollution.

Regarding your question about whether "a deviated septum can be treated with medication," it cannot be straightened with medication alone; surgery is currently the only option for correction.
As for your next question about "my ears are wet, so I clean them almost daily, but I read online that daily cleaning can cause tinnitus and hearing loss.
Is this true, and how should I clean wet ears?" It is not advisable to clean your ears yourself, as this can lead to ear canal inflammation.
If cleaning is truly necessary, it is best to consult an otolaryngologist for proper management.
Wishing you peace and health.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Chi Chao-yun, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/06/13

More Info

Nasal septum deviation is a common condition where the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone that divide the nasal cavity into two nostrils, is displaced to one side. This can lead to various symptoms, including nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and sometimes sinus infections. In your case, you mentioned experiencing nasal congestion without any cold symptoms, which may suggest that your nasal septum deviation could be contributing to your symptoms.

Unfortunately, medication alone cannot correct a deviated septum. While medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal corticosteroids can help alleviate symptoms associated with nasal congestion and inflammation, they do not change the physical structure of the nasal septum. Therefore, if your nasal congestion is primarily due to the deviation, medication may provide temporary relief but will not resolve the underlying issue.

If your symptoms are persistent and significantly affect your quality of life, you may want to consider consulting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan, to assess the extent of the deviation and any associated complications, such as sinusitis. In cases where the deviation is severe and causes significant obstruction, surgical intervention, specifically a procedure called septoplasty, may be recommended. This surgery aims to straighten the septum and improve airflow through the nasal passages.

Regarding your concern about ear hygiene, it is essential to approach ear cleaning with caution. While it is common for individuals with "wet" ears to feel the need to clean them frequently, excessive cleaning can lead to irritation or injury to the ear canal, potentially resulting in infections or other complications. The ear is generally self-cleaning, and the use of cotton swabs or other objects can push wax further into the ear canal, leading to blockages or damage.

If you feel the need to clean your ears, it is advisable to use a damp cloth to wipe the outer ear gently. If you experience excessive wax buildup or discomfort, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate cleaning methods. They can safely remove earwax and provide guidance on maintaining ear health without risking injury.

In summary, while medications can help manage symptoms related to nasal septum deviation, they will not correct the underlying structural issue. If your symptoms persist, seeking an ENT specialist's advice is recommended. Additionally, practice safe ear hygiene to avoid complications associated with excessive cleaning.

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