The Nasal Septum Perforation Symptoms is the wall that separates your left and right nasal cavities. It’s made of cartilage in the front and bone in the back. In some cases, a hole can develop in this wall, creating a condition known as nasal septum perforation. While some people with this condition experience no symptoms, others can face a range of issues that can affect their daily lives.
This article dives deep into nasal septum perforation symptoms, helping you understand what to watch for and when to seek medical attention.
Nasal Septum Perforation Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs
It’s important to remember that not everyone with a nasal septum perforation will experience symptoms. The size, location, and cause of the perforation all play a role in determining whether symptoms arise and their severity. That being said, some common nasal septum perforation symptoms include:
- Crusting and dryness: A frequent symptom is crusting inside the nose. This can occur due to dry air passing through the perforation, causing irritation and crust formation.
- Nosebleeds: People with nasal septum perforation may experience occasional nosebleeds. The severity of these bleeds can vary depending on the size of the perforation.
- Nasal obstruction: A feeling of stuffiness or congestion in the nose is a potential symptom. This can happen due to crusting or irritation around the perforation.
- Whistling sound during breathing: Air passing through the perforation can create a whistling sound, especially when inhaling deeply or exerting yourself.
- Facial pain: Pain in the face, particularly around the bridge of the nose, can sometimes occur with nasal septum perforation.
- Runny nose: A runny nose with clear discharge is less common but can be a symptom in some cases.
- Foul odor: If the perforation traps dried mucus or debris, it can lead to a bad smell coming from the nose.
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When to see a doctor:
If you experience any of the following alongside nasal septum perforation symptoms, consult a healthcare professional:
- Frequent or severe nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Facial pain that is persistent or worsening
- A foul odor coming from your nose
Causes of Nasal Septum Perforation
Several factors can contribute to nasal septum perforation. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes:
- Cocaine use: Cocaine abuse is a leading cause of nasal septum perforation. Cocaine disrupts blood flow to the septum, leading to tissue damage and perforation.
- Chronic nose picking: Picking your nose excessively can irritate and damage the septum, increasing the risk of perforation.
- Injury to the nose: A blow to the face or other injuries to the nose can damage the septum and lead to perforation.
- Septoplasty surgery: While uncommon, septoplasty, a surgery to correct a deviated septum, can rarely result in perforation.
- Certain medications: Chronic use of certain nasal sprays, particularly corticosteroids, can be a risk factor.
- Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis) can cause inflammation that damages the septum.
Diagnosing Nasal Septum Perforation
If you experience nasal septum perforation symptoms, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination of your nose. They may use a special light to look inside your nose and assess the size and location of the perforation. In some cases, additional tests like imaging scans (CT scan) might be needed for a more detailed evaluation.
Treatment Options for Nasal Septum Perforation
The need for treatment for nasal septum perforation depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have minimal or no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, if your symptoms are bothersome, there are options available:
- Nasal saline irrigation: Using a saline nasal spray or irrigation pot can help keep the nasal passages moist and reduce crusting.
- Petroleum jelly: Applying petroleum jelly to the inside of your nose can help alleviate dryness and discomfort.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air and ease nasal dryness and crusting.
- Medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications like nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Repair:
In more severe cases where symptoms significantly impact your quality of life, surgical repair of the perforation might be considered. This is a complex procedure and should only be performed by an experienced otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). The type of surgery used will depend on the size and location of the perforation.
Living With Nasal Septum Perforation
If you have nasal septum perforation with minimal symptoms, you might not need to make major lifestyle changes. However, certain practices can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications:
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