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Is Surgery The Only Way To Permanently Fix This Deviated Septum?

Posted on Mon, 12 Aug 2024

Question: I’ve been told I have a deviated septum and silent reflux. This manifests in sometimes my nose becoming blocked completely and meaning I can’t breathe through my nose. But some days, I can breathe very easily through both nostrils. How is it possible that it ‘comes and goes’ like this?

Does this mean I can somehow avoid it being blocked? How?

Is surgery the only way to permanently fix this?

And with the silent reflux, how can I avoid that? Is it diet based?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinosinusitis and Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

You are suffering from allergic rhinitis, due to which the nose gets blocked very often. The presence of nasal deviation does worsen the nasal block when exposed to allergens due to swelling of the turbinates. The best remedy for this issue is avoiding those things that induce allergy. Also, you would require an intranasal steroid nasal spray such as fluticasone or mometasone, which has to be used for a minimum period of 2-3 months.

Silent reflux is secondary to acid reflux disease. This can be controlled with diet and lifestyle modifications. Medication such as proton pump inhibitors (Pantoprazole or Esomeprazole) would help relieve the symptoms.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink frequent sips of lukewarm water
2. Avoid spicy/oily food, coffee, and smoking (if any)
3. Avoid sleeping in front of the A/C or fan
4. Avoid those things which induce nasal allergy

I hope this answers your query. Revert to me if you have any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (8 days later)

Hey,

thanks for this,

1: How would I know what is causing the allergic reaction? It's happened across about 6 countries, different hotels, beds, countries etc. It seems to just always happen and randomly as well.

2: Are there any natural alternatives to steroid spray that would do the same thing?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are the best judge to identify the causating agent

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

You are the best judge to identify the causating agent. Try to recollect the things you used in common in most places you visit. If you cannot correlate, then the next best option is to consult an apt Allergy and Immunology specialist. An Allergy Specialist would run through several investigations, including the skin prick test to identify the allergen.

Are there any natural alternatives to steroid spray that would do the same thing?
Yes, there are two ways to avoid usage of the medications. One, to avoid those things which induce the allergy; the second, is immunotherapy once the allergen is identified. Till then, intranasal steroids are the best option as it has the least absorption into the body and targets only the nose. Hence, it has minimal side-effects.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI