Etiology and treatment of nasal septum deviation in newborn infants: Literature review

Aims: To describe and discuss the etiology and treatment of neonatal septum deviation Source of data: Review of articles specialized in the issue, found in PubMed. Summary of the findings: Nasal obstruction in newborn infants is a risk situation because they are obligatory nasal breathers. The nasal septum deviation is described in this population and can be related to intrauterine or delivery trauma. Its incidence cannot be determinated through the available studies, because the results are too diverse. Although there are some cases of spontaneous resolution, early intervention is defended by the majority of authors. Conclusions: Since oral respiration is not possible in newborn infants, in cases of obstructed nasal septum deviation symptoms will begin during the first hours of life. In these cases, a careful examination of the nose should be done promptly, preferably with an endoscope. If the deformity is found, and it is symptomatic, it should be repaired as soon as possible.