Approximately 30% of children have a deviated septum.[1] In the majority of kids with a deviated septum, the deviation is slight enough to cause no issues. However, if the deviation is severe, or a slight deviation is accompanied by another sinus condition, like allergies or enlarged adenoids, your child may experience congestion, snoring, difficulty breathing or other issues.
When Does a Deviated Septum Require Treatment?
According to the above study, untreated nasal obstructions can lead to things like craniofacial growth disturbances, behavioral issues and sleep-disordered breathing. If your child’s deviated septum is causing disrupted breathing, we may recommend treatment to correct the deviation or the concurring conditions.
Deviated Septum Treatment Options
Before we recommend treatment, we’ll likely start by helping your child manage their symptoms. Medications, including decongestants, antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays, can improve breathing, though they don’t fix the septal deviation itself. If we can’t manage their symptoms with medication or by treating other sinus issues, surgery is the next step.
We use a surgery called a septoplasty to fix a deviated septum. During the surgery, your child’s ENT specialist will reshape the septum. In some cases, they’ll perform a turbinate reduction alongside the septoplasty, which involves removing bone and cartilage that block airflow through the sinuses.
Your child will be placed under general anesthesia during the surgery.
Recovering From Septoplasty
After a septoplasty, your child may experience bloody drainage, a stuffy nose, ear fullness, swelling and a mild headache. Initial recovery will take about a week or two, and overall healing will continue for a few months after. They may need to avoid trips to the Parr Park playground while they heal. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check your child’s recovery and the success of the surgery.
If your child is struggling with symptoms of a deviated septum, schedule an appointment with our specialists at ENT for Children for a sinus exam and treatment consultation.
[1] Hosokawa, Y. (2026). Surgical considerations for pediatric nasal septal deviation: A review of current concepts and timing of intervention. *Auris Nasus Larynx, 53*(2), 252–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2026.01.010