Will massage help a deviated nasal septum?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 29, 2025
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Nasal septum deviation massage has no effect, and post-massage can stimulate local mucosal congestion and edema, leading to nasal congestion and nosebleeds in patients. Nasal septum deviation is a bony deviation caused by abnormal development of the nasal septum during embryonic stages, or by postnatal trauma to the nasal septum or compression from nasal tumors causing the septum to deviate to one or both sides. After a nasal septum deviation, it can cause persistent and progressive nasal congestion on both sides, accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity and headaches. Nasal septum deviation can also induce sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. It is necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed examination, where an endoscopic nasal examination and sinus CT scan can provide a diagnosis. In terms of treatment, nasal septum deviation requires local surgical correction for a complete cure.

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Can a deviated nasal septum cause tinnitus?

A deviated nasal septum may lead to tinnitus in patients. A deviated nasal septum refers to the deviation of the cartilaginous or bony part beneath the mucous membrane of the nasal septum, protruding into one side of the nasal cavity, forming spurs or local bending. This can cause nasal congestion and headaches in patients, and some may develop tinnitus as a result of the headaches. The primary treatment goal for patients with a deviated nasal septum is to alleviate nasal congestion and help restore normal breathing. The main treatment method is surgery, which corrects the bent part of the nasal septum mucous membrane to achieve the goal of restoring normal nasal ventilation.

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What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?

Nasal septal deviation and hypertrophy of the turbinates refer to the cartilaginous and bony parts of the nasal septum leaning towards one side, or both sides, of the nasal cavity, which interferes with the normal drainage function of the nasal passage. The deviation of the nasal septum to one side can cause compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinate on the same side, primarily the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. Clinically, this is mainly manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Therefore, for severe nasal septal deviation, it is often necessary to perform a sinus CT scan to determine the degree of deviation, followed by endoscopic surgery to correct the deviation.

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Written by Li Rui
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Can a deviated nasal septum be cured?

A deviated nasal septum can be cured. Firstly, a deviated nasal septum generally arises congenitally or from trauma, leading to the deviation. Most patients have cartilage deviation, and a small portion have bony deviation. In terms of treatment, firstly it is necessary to evaluate the degree of deviation and the clinical symptoms. If it is just a minor deviation without significant clinical manifestations, treatment may not be necessary, and regular check-ups will suffice. However, if the clinical symptoms are noticeable and the degree of deviation is severe, then surgical correction should be considered. Currently, considering endoscopic septoplasty can achieve a cure.

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How long after septoplasty under general anesthesia can one get out of bed?

After general anesthesia surgery for a deviated nasal septum, patients can freely move in bed after 6 hours, but should wait at least 24 hours before getting out of bed and moving around to avoid the effects of the anesthesia. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by congenital abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum. This condition may lead to persistent, progressive nasal congestion on both sides, along with pain in the facial area, headaches, and a deviated nasal septum. It can also trigger nasal sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. A detailed examination at the hospital with an electronic nasal endoscope and sinus CT scan can provide a diagnosis. In terms of treatment, if a mild nasal septum deviation presents no clinical symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, if the patient suffers from nasal congestion, headaches, or other related symptoms, local surgical correction may be required. Patients typically recover and are discharged about a week after the surgery.

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What are the dangers of a deviated septum?

The main harms of a deviated nasal septum include several points, mainly causing uncomfortable symptoms. Firstly, the most common symptom is nasal congestion, which is often unilateral, meaning one side of the nose is blocked depending on the side the septum is deviated towards while the other side remains relatively normal. Severe deviation to one side can cause blocked sensation in the nose, or it can affect both sides leading to bilateral congestion. The type of deviation, such as a simple deviation or an S-shaped one where both the front and back are deviated in different directions, can result in blockage in both nasal passages. Another issue is nosebleeds. Sometimes, the deviated septum can form a sharp edge, making the nasal mucosa fragile or piercing other areas, which can easily cause bleeding. Additionally, it can cause headaches due to the pressure exerted on the concha of the opposite side by the deviated septum. It also leads to conditions like rhinitis and sinusitis because the deviation affects the drainage of the nasal cavities and sinuses, resulting in secondary sinusitis, which causes long-term headaches, discomfort, and a series of sinusitis symptoms.