Questions posted in the The Addiction Forum have been answered by Steven Adelman, M.D. and by Richard C. Bozian M.D. F.A.C.P. of Harvard Vanguard Medical Group.

Question Title: Perforated Nasal Septum

Forum: The Addiction Forum
Topic: Drugs

My husband is a recovering drug addict. He basically has used everything and now has a very large hole in his nose. He can touch his fingers if put in both nostrils. I have been trying to find out any information on here about it. He is afraid it is getting bigger. Can that happen if you aren't using? Also, not to be gross, he says when he blows his nose these big things come out of it. I don't know what he can do because he is currently incarcerated. But when he gets out what should he do? And are there serious effects from this? We are both worried about this condition. Any answers can help. Thank You

Dear Mellie,

A perforated nasal septum is a common complication of cocaine snorting. Your husband's perforation sounds sizable, much too large to resolve on its own. Because of all the "traffic" through our noses (air, mucous, fingers, etc.) it is conceivable that your husband's perforation is getting larger even though he has stopped snorting drugs.

Your husband needs to be evaluated by a surgeon - either an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist (also known as an otorhinolaryngologist) or a plastic surgeon who does "nose jobs" (rhinoplasties is the official medical term). My psychiatrist's understanding of perforation repairs is that they involve grafting tissue to fill the perforation. Some surgeons use a type of "filler" known as "acellular human dermis" which is obtained from donor tissue and not from your husband.

You can contact the author of an article about this technique by emailing the following email address: NEWNOSE@AOL.COM . I kid you not!

The important thing to remember is that repaired septums are easily re-perforated by anyone who goes back to snorting drugs. So your husband needs to be solidly in Recovery if the surgery is going to be successful. Take a look at my Ask DrSteve web site (conveniently hyperlinked below) for other information about addiction and Recovery. Good luck to you and your husband!

Steve Adelman, M.D. (a.k.a. DrSteve)

This information is for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.


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