Case Report: "Navigating the Narrow Path: Unveiling a Nasal Septal Abscess in a Neonate"

Nasal septal abscess in a newborn is a rare condition. This case report describes a case of nontraumatic, nasal septal abscess in a newborn baby with no evidence of sinusitis or other localized trauma/ infections. A 15-day-old newborn was admitted to a tertiary care hospital with a history of nasal blockage and swelling of the nasal septum. Physical examination revealed a fusiform swelling involving the nasal septum. The patient underwent Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy with Incision and Drainage followed by 48-hour nasal packing. Neonates being obligate nasal breathers, after drainage, due to the bilateral nasal packs, the otolaryngology and paediatric team had to find a way to make the neonate breathe and swallow simultaneously. The neonate showed gradual improvement following nasal pack removal and had a normal nasal airway on follow-up at 14 days and one-month post-drainage. Even though the septal abscess in neonates is a rare entity however, it can significantly compromise the nasal airway in an obligatory nasal breather, and with limited space for intervention also poses a challenge in managing the condition.