Deviated Septum
A deviated septum occurs when the thin nasal divider (nasal septum) is off-center or crooked. A deviated septum results in one nasal passage that is smaller than the other. While some children are rarely born with a deviated septum, others develop it after an injury to the nose, such as a fall or sports-related trauma. In many cases, a mild deviation may not cause no symptoms or issues. However, more severe cases can lead to chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, frequent nosebleeds or sinus infections.
Parents might notice that their child constantly breathes through their mouth, especially at night. Other children have one side of their nose that is more blocked than the other. In some children, a deviated septum can contribute to poor sleep quality or even sleep-disordered breathing. During a physical exam, a pediatric provider will use a lighted instrument to look inside the nose and may be able to see the deviation. If the symptoms are significant, your child may be referred to our specialists at ENT for Kids for a more detailed evaluation. Our providers will take a careful look in the nose. Sometimes, nasal endoscopy is performed with a small camera to look further into the nasal passage.
Management of a deviated septum depends on the severity of symptoms. For children with mild symptoms, conservative treatment such as nasal saline sprays or steroid nasal sprays may help reduce inflammation and improve breathing. If allergies are also a factor, medical therapy can lessen nasal swelling and relieve some of the obstruction caused by the deviation.
In cases where symptoms are persistent and affect daily life or sleep, surgical correction may be recommended by our team. This procedure, called a septoplasty, involves straightening the septum to improve airflow. In children, septoplasty is usually delayed until the nasal structures are more matured. The outpatient surgery is done under general anesthesia and has a great success rate. Our team at ENT for Kids will help determine the best timing an.
If you’re concerned about your child’s nasal health, please reach out to us to arrange a consultation.