Section 19. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Chapter 221. Disorders of the Nose and Sinuses

Topics: Introduction | Fractures of the Nose | Deviated Septum | Perforations of the Septum | Nosebleeds | Nasal Vestibulitis | Rhinitis | Nasal Polyps | Sinusitis

Perforations of the Septum

Ulcers and holes (perforations) in the nasal septum may occur as a result of nasal surgery, repeated injury such as that resulting from picking the nose, or diseases such as Wegener's granulomatosis and syphilis. Frequent use of cocaine snorted through the nose causes ulcerations and perforations because it decreases blood flow.

Symptoms may include crusting around the nostrils and repeated nosebleeds. People who have small perforations in the septum may make a whistling sound when they breathe.

Bacitracin ointment reduces the crusting. Doctors can sometimes surgically repair perforations using a person's own tissue from another part of the nose or with an artificial membrane made of a soft, pliable plastic. Most perforations do not need to be repaired unless bleeding or crusting is a major problem.