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

Question

I have an S shaped septum and my right nostril is blocked 24/7. It REALLY bothers me, feeling like I'm not getting enough air, and breathing poorly. I have no energy. But my left nostril is open though. My doctors said I don't need surgery. They just said use Flonase for weeks. It's not doing a single thing. The blockage in my right nostril is there 24/7. What should i do? I don't want an operation but I NEED, for my sanity, to be able to breathe freely again (ive had light trauma to my nose)

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

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.

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

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.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Nasal Sprays and Deviated Septum

Answer: Nasal Sprays and Deviated Septum

Answer: Deviated Septum

Answer: Deviated Septum

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Nasal Sprays and Deviated Septum

Answer: Nasal Sprays and Deviated Septum

Answer: Deviated Septum

Answer: Deviated Septum

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.