Prevalence and Clinical Features of Deviated Nasal Septum in the Pediatric Age Group in Najran Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical features of deviated nasal septum (DNS) among children under 14 years of age from the Najran region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: One thousand six hundred and eighty-one patients under 14 years of age were evaluated for DNS. They were divided into five age subgroups of <28 days, 29 days-3 years, 3–6 years, 6–12 years, and 12–14 years. The type of DNS according to Guyuron's classification and associated clinical features were recorded for each patient. Results: Nine hundred and ninety-one (59%) pediatric patients had DNS. Most DNS was found in the 12–14 years group (41%) and least in the <28 days group (9%). Class 1 DNS was maximum in the overall sample, <28 days and 29 days-3 years group. Class 2 DNS was maximum in 3–6 years and 6–12 years group. Class 6 DNS was maximum in the 12–14 years group. Statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05) was found between <28 days and 6–12 years, <28 days to 12–14 years, 29 days-3 years to 12–14 years, and 3–6 years to 12–14 years age groups. Clinically in the overall sample, 66.3% had nasal obstruction, 35.6% had nasal discharge, 30.4% had external deformity, 15.5% had rhinitis, 12.6% had pain or headache, 12.34% had sore throat, and 11.6% had snoring. Conclusion: We found that 59% of the pediatric Najran population has DNS. Class I is the most common deformity and the incidence of DNS increases with age. Nasal obstruction and nasal discharge are the most common clinical features associated with DNS.