From the Research
Being born without a nasal septum poses significant health risks, including breathing difficulties, chronic nasal congestion, and recurrent sinus infections, which can be mitigated with early interventional management and surgical correction. The nasal septum plays a crucial role in dividing the nasal cavity into two chambers and providing structural support for the nose. Without it, patients may experience abnormal airflow dynamics and potential nasal collapse during inhalation, leading to sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea 1. Facial development may be affected, resulting in midface hypoplasia or other craniofacial abnormalities. Speech development can be impaired due to altered nasal resonance. Additionally, the condition may be associated with other congenital anomalies, particularly those affecting midline structures like cleft palate or brain malformations.
Some of the key dangers of being born without a nasal septum include:
- Breathing difficulties due to abnormal airflow dynamics
- Chronic nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections
- Sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea
- Facial development abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia
- Impaired speech development due to altered nasal resonance
- Potential association with other congenital anomalies, particularly those affecting midline structures
Treatment typically requires multidisciplinary care involving otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, and speech therapists. Surgical intervention may be necessary to create structural support, improve breathing, and address cosmetic concerns, with timing dependent on the severity of symptoms and the child's growth stage 2. Early interventional management, such as septal manipulation, can help reduce the incidence of nasal airway-related conditions and improve long-term outcomes 3. However, the decision to undergo surgical correction should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances.