Why aren't nasal sprays doing anything to help my breathing (deviated septum)?

There are 2 kinds of nasal blockage, hard tissue and soft tissue. Hard tissue represents anatomic deviations of cartilage and bone (deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, nasal bone deviation) and typically only responds to surgery. Soft tissue problems are due to swelling (inflammation being caused by sinusitis, allergies, hormones, nasal irritation, etc.) and have the potential to be reversed by nasal sprays, allergy pills, or allergy shots. Soft tissue problems can also be improved by turbinate surgery to open up the nasal airway further. If your problems are not soft tissue based, then sprays will typically not help. Perhaps that is your issue. Hope this information helps.

All the best.

A deviated septum typically causes a blockage in the ability to breathe through your nose.  Flonase will not treat a fixed obstruction.  Perhaps you should consult with an Otolaryngologist or a Facial Plastic Surgeon.  Both have experience with the intranasal pathology and can evaluate you for the possibility of obstruction.  Additionally, there are other anatomical reasons for having obstruction.  These can easily be evaluated by these surgeons.  

Evaluation of the septum, the external nasal valves, the internal nasal
valves, the turbinates, inspection for masses, etc. are all part of the
exam. Sometimes an anatomic source cannot be identified.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

If you have a bad enough S shape deformity then you need a septoplasty. If your surgeon feels that the deviated septum is not causing the issues then you need to maybe get a second and third opinion just to make sure that another surgeon sees the same thing.

If you have an anatomic etiology causing difficulty breathing through the nose, it needs to be addressed from an anatomic standpoint.  Nasal sprays generally will not fully correct the problem.  Please consult with a board certified specialist such as a facial plastic surgeon or head and neck surgeon who can thoroughly evaluate the inside of your nose to determine the cause of your problem.

If you have airway obstruction from an anatomic structure such as a deviated septum, the only thiing that will improve the airway is surgery to remove the obstructing anatomy. If the spray is not working you need to cease and desist in its use as it may cause serious problems. If you do not have an anatomic obstruction and the spray is not working it is because you are overusing it and have become used to it. BTW nasal obstruction does not lower your energy, you are getting plenty of oxygen