Nasal obstruction treatment for kids
Our pediatric specialist will provide treatment recommendations based on your child's age and the underlying causes of their nasal obstruction. Our care team members have completed extra training for nasal conditions in children and will help you determine the best treatment for your child.
Non-surgical nasal obstruction treatment
For less serious conditions, such as congestion and swelling, common treatments include:
- Nasal wash to clear mucus that may result from obstruction
- Intranasal corticosteroids (steroids typically sprayed in the nose) to decrease inflammation
- Oral/intranasal antihistamines alone or with decongestants to decrease swelling
- Anti-secretion agents to prevent over-secretion
Nasal obstruction surgery
Surgery is often the best option for more serious structural issues involving the structures of the nose and face. Our care teams choose surgical options based on the location and cause of the obstruction. Providers typically recommend surgery when other medical therapy isn't effective.
Surgical treatments include:
- Removing foreign objects
- Cauterization (a heated probe reduces size) or partial removal of turbinates, which warm and moisten air as it goes through the nose
- Septoplasty surgery to straighten or reposition a deviated septum
- Polypectomy to remove nasal polyps
- Endoscopic sinus surgery to remove sinus blockage and treat chronic sinusitis
- Adenoidectomy to remove enlarged adenoids, the tissue at the back of the nasal cavity
- Rarely, our surgeons will remove cysts or tumors from the back of the nose
Why choose Children's Colorado for your child's nasal obstruction?
We are relentlessly dedicated to making children feel better. Our care team members, from imaging specialists to doctors, are trained specifically in children's nasal conditions.
We want to provide relief for your child – whether they are uncomfortable from temporary congestion or swelling or have a more serious issue with their nasal structure. Our team has experience treating both common and rare conditions in children. We understand the unique aspects of each age group of children and can provide them an accurate diagnosis and effective care plan.
We use equipment, such as an endoscope, that is specifically designed to be more accurate and comfortable for children. To minimize the risk of cumulative radiation exposure we also use the lowest possible levels of radiation for X-rays and CT scans.
We also partner with your family from diagnosis through treatment and help coordinate any follow-up care with our specialists or your primary doctor.