Perforations of the Septum
Inside the nose is the nasal cavity, which is divided into two passages by the nasal septum. The nasal septum is composed of both bone and cartilage and extends from the nostrils to the back of the nose.
Ulcers (sores) and holes (perforations) in the nasal septum may occur as a result of
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Nasal surgery
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Repeated injury (such as from repeatedly picking the nose)
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Cosmetic piercing
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Exposure to toxins (such as acids, chromium, phosphorus, and copper vapor)
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Chronic nasal spray use (including corticosteroids and over-the-counter phenylephrine or oxymetazoline sprays)
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Pure oxygen inhaled through the nose, as is delivered through nasal prongs or a nasal mask
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Diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly called Wegener granulomatosis), and syphilis
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Frequent use of cocaine snorted through the nose (because it decreases blood flow)
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
For septal ulcers, bacitracin ointment or mupirocin ointment reduces the crusting, as may saline nasal spray.
Doctors can sometimes surgically repair septal 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.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
oxymetazoline |
Oxymetazoline |
phenylephrine |
No US brand name |
bacitracin |
BACIIM |
mupirocin |
BACTROBAN |
