The Effectiveness of Nasal Corticosteroids Versus Placebo in Nasal Obstruction in Patients With Nasal Septal Deviation

Participants were identified at their initial visit to the Stanford Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, an academic referral center, in consultation for nasal obstruction. If eligible and interested in participating, patients provided written informed consent prior to randomization.

Eligible participants were patients over the age of 18 years of age with the presence of nasal septal deviation as identified by physical examination, as well as a baseline NOSE score of 35 or greater. Exclusion criteria included a history of nasal or septal surgery, use of intranasal steroids in the three months preceding enrollment, use of systemic steroids in the six months preceding enrollment, and pregnancy or active breastfeeding at the time of enrollment. In order to maximize generalizability of the study, no medications other than systemic and intranasal steroids were used as exclusion criteria.

All study participants received 6 weeks of therapy with an intranasal steroid spray, Nasacort (Chattem Inc), which consists of the steroid triamcinolone acetonide, as well as 6 weeks of placebo with Ayr saline spray (B.F. Ascher). These two study drugs were packaged identically by a local pharmacist and labelled Drug A and Drug B. Nasacort was selected as the intranasal steroid following pharmacist consultation, as this intranasal steroid is less scented than others and therefore was less likely to be distinguishable from the placebo to participants. Participants were instructed to use both drugs as follows: 1 spray per nostril twice a day. Researchers, statistical analysts, and study participants were blinded to the identity of the two drugs until the conclusion of the study. A duration of 6 weeks per drug was selected based on the most commonly observed insurance requirements seen in our practice. Following unblinding, it was determined that Drug A was the placebo, the saline spray, and Drug B was the test drug, the nasal steroid.

Following completion of both study drugs, patients were offered surgical intervention. If interested and medically cleared for surgery, patients underwent surgery. All surgeries were performed by the senior author and included open septorhinoplasty to address septal deviation, with repair of nasal valve stenosis and inferior turbinate reduction performed in some patients as deemed necessary by the senior author.

Inclusion criteria

• Age greater than 18
• NOSE score greater than 55
• Nasal septal deviation on exam

Exclusion criteria

• Intranasal steroid use within the last three months
• Current systemic steroid use
• Prior septal surgery
• Individuals who are pregnant or actively breastfeeding