A perforated septum is a condition where a hole develops in the wall dividing the nostrils. While not life-threatening, it can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life, often requiring medical attention to manage symptoms or consider repair.
What a Perforated Septum Is
The nasal septum is the internal wall separating the two nasal passages, composed of cartilage, bone, and a mucosal lining. A perforated septum is a hole in this wall, which can weaken it and disrupt normal nasal airflow.
Perforations can arise from factors that damage the septum. Common causes include physical trauma (e.g., nose picking, accidents), complications from nasal surgeries like septoplasty, and chronic inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Prolonged use of certain nasal sprays (decongestants, steroids) and recreational drugs like cocaine are additional causes.
Signs and Everyday Effects
A perforated septum can lead to noticeable symptoms that vary in severity based on the hole’s size and location. A common symptom is a whistling sound during breathing. Many individuals also experience chronic crusting and scabbing, often accompanied by recurrent nosebleeds. This persistent irritation can lead to a feeling of nasal obstruction, even when passages are physically open.
Nasal dryness is a frequent complaint, as altered airflow can lead to excessive drying of the nasal lining. A foul odor and sleep disturbances like snoring may also occur. These symptoms contribute to discomfort and can reduce quality of life, making everyday activities challenging.
Potential Health Concerns
Leaving a perforated septum unaddressed can lead to long-term complications. Continuous irritation and abnormal airflow increase the risk of nasal infections, as damaged mucosa provides a less effective barrier. Over time, repeated crusting and bleeding can erode surrounding tissue, potentially enlarging the hole.
With larger or high perforations, a loss of structural support can occur. This can lead to a saddle nose deformity, where the bridge of the nose collapses. Beyond physical changes, discomfort, deformities, and frequent infections can also have a psychological impact.
Addressing a Perforated Septum
Seeking medical attention is advisable if persistent symptoms, worsening conditions, or visible changes in the nose are observed. A healthcare professional can diagnose a perforated septum through examination, assessing its size and location to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Management options range from non-surgical approaches to surgical repair. Non-surgical methods focus on symptom relief, including regular saline rinses, humidification, and emollient ointments to reduce crusting. A septal button, a prosthetic device, can also improve airflow and alleviate symptoms.
For definitive closure, surgical repair options exist, such as septal flap surgery or the use of grafts (e.g., cartilage, fascia) to close the hole. Success rates for surgical repair can vary depending on the perforation’s size, complexity, and the surgical technique.