Condition
Pediatric Deviated Septum
What is a deviated septum?
The nasal septum is made of cartilage, and divides the nose into two separate chambers. A deviated septum is an abnormal configuration of the cartilage that divides the two sides of the nasal cavity, which may cause problems with proper breathing or nasal discharge. Estimates are that 80% of all nasal septums are off center. A deviated septum is when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline.
The most common symptom from a deviated septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and in some cases the drainage of the sinuses is curtailed and results in repeated sinus infections. A deviated septum may be present at birth, caused by an injury, or result from damage from previous medical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment
What are the complications associated with nasal surgery for deviated septum in children?
What are the short-term side effects of nasal surgery for a child's deviated septum?
What is septoplasty?
What should my child expect during the septoplasty procedure?
Providers Who Treat Deviated Septum
- Helping Maddie to Live Life to the Fullest
Maddie is a lively, creative teen who loves to act. Research at Children's National Hospital helps to ensure that her rare disease doesn"t upstage her big theater plans or her love of life.
Departments that Treat Deviated Septum
Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology)
Our pediatric otolaryngology experts diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric ear, nose and throat disorders.