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Does Fixing A Deviated Septum Cure Eustation Tube Dysfunction?
Question: Do you think that fixing a severely deviated septum can cure my eustation tube dysfunction?
Brief Answer:
Septal correction may not cure ET dysfunction
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
The Eustachian tube (ET) openings are located in the nasopharynx (at the far end of the nasal cavity) and they are placed laterally, towards the ear. The septum is a midline structure and its deviation can not directly cause a ET dysfunction. However indirectly a gross septal deviation can cause the inferior turbinates ( shelf like structures on the lateral wall of the nose) to enlarge and these can directly block the ET causing dysfunction.
So, a septal correction will improve airflow into your nose and relieve any nasal obstruction. It may reduce the mucus accumulation around the ET opening and improve ET dysfunction marginally. The maximum benefit to ET dysfunction can be achieved if the turbinates are reduced during the same surgery.
Since you are on a nasal allergy spray for allergies, it is very likely that your turbinates are enlarged and boggy due to the allergy. Therefore discuss these points with your ENT surgeon and ask for a turbinate reduction in case your turbinates are enlarged.
In addition to surgery the use of toynbee's manoeuvre or valsalva manoeuvre 3-5 times a day can help maintain the ET patency and prevent it from getting blocked repeatedly. You may look these manoeuvres up on the internet.
Hope this information was helpful. Do let me know if you have any further questions.
Septal correction may not cure ET dysfunction
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
The Eustachian tube (ET) openings are located in the nasopharynx (at the far end of the nasal cavity) and they are placed laterally, towards the ear. The septum is a midline structure and its deviation can not directly cause a ET dysfunction. However indirectly a gross septal deviation can cause the inferior turbinates ( shelf like structures on the lateral wall of the nose) to enlarge and these can directly block the ET causing dysfunction.
So, a septal correction will improve airflow into your nose and relieve any nasal obstruction. It may reduce the mucus accumulation around the ET opening and improve ET dysfunction marginally. The maximum benefit to ET dysfunction can be achieved if the turbinates are reduced during the same surgery.
Since you are on a nasal allergy spray for allergies, it is very likely that your turbinates are enlarged and boggy due to the allergy. Therefore discuss these points with your ENT surgeon and ask for a turbinate reduction in case your turbinates are enlarged.
In addition to surgery the use of toynbee's manoeuvre or valsalva manoeuvre 3-5 times a day can help maintain the ET patency and prevent it from getting blocked repeatedly. You may look these manoeuvres up on the internet.
Hope this information was helpful. Do let me know if you have any further questions.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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