Anything to help deal with a deviated septum while waiting to see an ENT?

Question

Nose has been blocked up on one side for 2 months now. Had CT scan, deviated septum. Wait time to see an ENT in Canada is 10 months. Use saline sprays, nasal steroid spray, vicks, breathe right strips. They all help a bit. Sometimes i have trouble sleeping because of it, its uncomfortable to deal with, and i find myself having to calm myself down to prevent a panic attack when i cant breathe through my nose. Is there anything that I can do to help deal with my nose while i wait to see the ENT?

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns and questions.  Based upon the information you provided, it sounds like you are doing all of the right things.  The only additional thing that I would add as a precaution is to avoid using topical nasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline or Afrin.  These medications could potentially complicate your nasal problem and make your symptoms worse.  Keep in mind that, while your CT scan does show a deviated nasal septum, this does not mean that a septoplasty will be the only surgical intervention recommended.  You will want to be sure to see a surgeon who has experience with sinus and nasal operations, including functional as well as aesthetic rhinoplasty, especially if you have any external nasal deformity ("crooked" or "twisted").

William Portuese, MD · Answer

All of the medications that you are taking are appropriate medical management for a deviated nasal septum. If you do not wish to wait 10 months in Canada, the surgery can be performed by an ENT in the United States. It is possible to shop quality and price on the realself platform

Gurmander Singh Kohli, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for writing to RealSelf.Sorry to hear of your situation. You are doing all the non surgical treatments that are generally advised while waiting for a definitive treatment. Have you looked into seeking treatment by a plastic surgeon? The wait list with a plastic surgeon may not be shorter but you will be increasing your chances of being seen earlier by seeking help from another specialty.

Anything to help deal with a deviated septum while waiting to see an ENT?

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Anything to help deal with a deviated septum while waiting to see an ENT?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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