Nasal congestion and sinus pressure can have many causes, including changes in weather, allergies, and the flu, to name a few. Many people struggle with nasal congestion, which can feel even worse with a deviated septum. So the big question is, how do I clear my sinuses with a deviated septum?

What is a deviated septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the septum, cartilage, and bone that separates the nasal cavity are off-center or deviated, making one nasal passage smaller. This may cause nasal congestion, breathing problems, or nasal discharge.

Overview and Symptoms

Nasal congestion or "stuffy nose" is when the tissues lining the nose become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels. Here are a couple of remedies to help ease nasal congestion:

• Nasal Rinses
• Nasal Steroid Sprays
• Take a Decongestant
• Rinse With Salt Water

Home remedies

• ​​Take a hot shower
• Use a humidifier
• Relax with a warm compress
• Drink lots of fluids

Causes of a deviated septum

Some people are born with a deviated septum. For other people, a nose injury or trauma to the nose causes deviation. A badly deviated septum may cause breathing problems, congestion, and headaches. 

Solutions

Sometimes a deviated septum can be relieved with medication. But if medicine alone doesn’t offer relief, or correct a deviated septum, you'll need a surgical procedure to repair the crooked septum and improve breathing. To clear the nasal passages and help you breathe easier, you may want to try over-the-counter nasal rinse, decongestant, or the above-listed home remedies. AmericanSinus Institute specializes in balloon sinuplasty, serving patients in San Antonio and across Texas. Contact our board-certified physicians in Otolaryngology to find out how balloon sinuplasty can help relieve your sinus problems and deviated septum.