nasal septum perforation

Etiology

• nasal piercings
• long-term topical drug use
  • cocaine
  • decongestant nasal sprays
• chronic epistaxis
• nose picking
• postoperative complication
  • nasal septoplasty
  • rhinoplasty
• Wegener's granulomatosis
• bevacizumab

Clinical manifestations

• may be asymptomatic
• larger size & proximity to nostrils increase likilhood of symptoms
• small perforations can cause a whistling noise when breathing
• epistaxis
• dyspnea
• nasal discomfort

Management

• surgery generally unnecessary
  • repair of nasal septum perforation
  • perforation with not spontaneously close
    • if perforation heals, symptoms generally resolve
• open irritated & raw surface must be continuously covered with an emollient using cotton applicator until healed
• surgery may be required in minority of patients

More general terms

• anomaly
• nose disease; nasal disorder
• perforation