A paediatric patient with nasal septal perforation – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options

Introduction. Nasal septum is an anatomical structure which not only separates both nasal cavities, but is also a supporting element for the external nose, and has an impact on its physiology. Structural abnormalities of the nasal septum, such as deviations and defects, affect the airflow in the nasal cavities. Nasal septal perforation is one of the factors that impair nasal patency due to secondary pathological changes. There are various treatment options, depending on the symptoms reported and the stage of septal lesions. Treatment strategy is selected individually for each patient. Aim. The aim of this paper was to discuss the symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment options in children with nasal septal perforation. Patients of the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, were included in the analysis. Material and methods. We present cases of 18 patients aged between 3 and 17 years, admitted to the Outpatient ENT Clinic at the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw. Results. A total of 18 patients aged between 3 and 17 years (mean age 12.83 years, SD = 4.34) reported to our clinic. In most cases, nasal septal perforation developed as a complication of septoplasty (4) or nasal trauma. Nasal bleeding and crusting were the most commonly reported symptoms. Perforation was accompanied by external nasal deformity in about 1/3 of patients. Conclusions. Only few reports on paediatric patients with nasal septal perforation may be found in literature. All data obtained was analysed based on reports describing adult and paediatric patients. The severity of symptoms varied depending on the aetiology.