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- Viral infections can occasionally cause ulcers and ultimately a hole in the septum, as can a severe bacterial infection. Tuberculosis, syphilis, AIDS and fungal infections have been known to cause holes in the nose.
www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/87/septal_perforation
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Can a perforated septum cause symptoms?
May 13, 2019 · Yes, a hole in the nose sounds strange, but a septal perforation can be a potentially painful and serious condition. Here’s what you need to know: If your nose whistles, it could be a sign you have a hole in your nose—one that’s not supposed to be there.
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- Overview
- Symptoms
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- Seeking help
- Treatment
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- Nasal septum deviation vs. perforated nasal septum
- Outlook
Overview
The two cavities of your nose are separated by a septum. The nasal septum is made from bone and cartilage, and it helps with airflow in the nasal passages. The septum can become damaged in several ways, leading to complications. One type of injury to the septum is when a hole develops in it. This is known as a perforated septum. It can cause symptoms that vary from very mild to severe. Often, your symptoms will depend on the size of the hole in your septum.
Symptoms of a perforated septum will vary from person to person. Often, the symptoms will depend on the size of hole in your septum. These can be classified as:
•small (smaller than 1 centimeter)
•medium (between 1 and 2 centimeters)
•large (bigger than 2 centimeters)
A doctor will be able to determine the size of the perforation.
You may never know you have a perforated septum. Many people don’t have symptoms. Symptoms will vary in severity and may include:
A perforated septum can occur for many different reasons.
Some causes of a perforated septum include:
•previous surgery on the nose
•trauma, like a fractured nose
•intranasal steroid, phenylephrine, or oxymetazoline spray
•cocaine use
It’s possible that you have no symptoms from your perforated septum. You may have no reason to visit the doctor if symptoms are absent or undetected. You should visit your doctor if you suspect a perforated septum or have problematic symptoms related to your nose or breathing.
A visit to your doctor for a perforated septum may involve:
•questions about your symptoms, health history (including prior surgeries and medication use), and habits (such as drug use)
•examination of the outside of your nose
•one or more procedures to examine the inside your nose, including rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, or palpation of the septum
•biopsy of the perforation
Diagnosis of the perforated septum will lead to a treatment plan directed by your doctor. Your doctor will aim to treat the underlying cause (if found), decrease the symptoms caused by the perforated septum, and close the hole if possible or necessary.
There are many first-line treatments you can try to reduce symptoms of a perforated septum, such as:
•irrigating with saline sprays in the nose
•using a humidifier
•applying an antibiotic ointment
Another nonsurgical method involves using a prosthesis in the nose to plug the hole in your septum. This is described as a prosthetic button. Your doctor can insert the button with a local anesthesia. The prosthetic may be a generic-sized button or one custom made to your nose. These buttons can seal your septum and may reduce symptoms. There are certain button types available where you can remove the button daily for cleaning purposes.
Home-based remedies may be enough to alleviate symptoms and require no recovery time.
More severe cases of a perforated septum may require a prosthetic or surgery. Having a prosthetic inserted may just be as simple as going to the doctor for a visit. Recovering from repair surgery will take much longer. It may be several weeks before you’ve fully recovered from surgery, and you may have splints in your nose for a few weeks following the procedure, as well.
Another condition that affects the nasal septum is known as septum deviation. This is different from a perforated septum. A deviated septum describes when the septum is not centered, and is unbalanced too far toward the right or left side of the nose. This can obstruct the airway on one side of the nose and lead to other symptoms like congestion, snoring, and sleep apnea. You could have some similar symptoms to a perforated septum, like bloody noses or headaches.
A trip to the doctor will help to diagnose your nasal condition. Correcting a deviated septum is a much simpler process than fixing a perforated septum. Often, the procedure to correct a deviated septum can be done in 1–2 hours, and you typically go home afterward on the day of the procedure.
You may have a perforated septum and have no symptoms. Or you may be acutely aware of the condition because of significant symptoms. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and help you find the most appropriate treatment.
- Natalie Silver
Jul 7, 2015 · The main feature of a perforated nasal septum is a hole in the septum which can vary in size (less than 1cm to more than 2cm). Sometimes you might not be aware of a perforated nasal septum, especially if you haven’t experienced any symptoms. Symptoms can include: Nose pain.
Doctors examine the front part of the nose and, to view septal perforations, insert an endoscope (a flexible viewing tube) into the nose. If doctors suspect an infection or autoimmune disorder is the cause of the perforation, cultures for infection, other blood tests, and biopsy may be required.
Apr 17, 2024 · Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for perforations of the septum. Find out how this condition can affect your health and what steps you can take to manage it.
Apr 17, 2024 · Septal perforations, or holes in the nasal septum, can sometimes heal on their own without the need for medical intervention. The likelihood of spontaneous closure depends on several factors, including the size and location of the perforation, as well as the overall health of the individual.
