How Is Your Health?

How To Handle A Perforated Septum

by Camila Davidson

Often, people don’t notice problems that impact their child’s nose. Perforated septums are common, but they often go untreated. If you have ever noticed that your child’s nose constantly whistles when they breathe in and out, this could be the cause.

What Is the Purpose of the Septum?

The septum is a piece of bone or cartilage that sits in the nose, separating your left and right nostrils. Unfortunately, the septum can occasionally tear or get a hole, which is septal perforation. It can be hard to spot as it isn’t visible from outside your nose.

What Causes a Perforated Septum?

There are many causes of a perforated septum, including trauma from injuries. You could also develop a perforation if you have had nasal surgery and now are dealing with problems and complications. You may also have an issue caused by inflammation, infection, or prescription medication side effects.

How Do I Know My Child Has a Perforated Septum?

They might not have any symptoms of a perforated symptom, but in some cases you may notice a whistling sound coming from their nose, crusting around the nose, blocked nasal passages, pain, and even bleeding.

Do I Have to Treat a Perforated Septum?

Some instances of a perforated septum may heal on their own if they are small enough. In most cases, a perforated septum will not heal on its own. In fact, it is important that you have them treated so that they do not get worse.

There are several types of treatment options available to address perforated septum symptoms. In some cases, all patients need are topical creams and nasal sprays.

Will My Child Need Surgery for a Perforated Septum?

If they continue to have symptoms associated with a perforated septum, they may need to have surgery. There are several surgical options.

One option is the placement of a septal button, which is made of soft plastic. The button plugs the hole in the septum, and it is completely invisible to others. It can also be removed by a doctor later.

In some cases, your child may need to undergo reconstructive surgery to create a strong septum. They may also need skin grafts in the nasal cavity.

What Should You Do Next?

Your next step is to talk to a pediatrician. If you believe that your child has a perforated septum, you have a lot of options available to help them manage the symptoms and receive treatment. Make an appointment with a specialist, such as Dr. Dahl, to get more information and talk about your options.

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