Nasal Septum Perforation
Nasal Septum Perforation
Nasal septum perforation refers to a hole or tear in the thin wall (septum) that separates the two nostrils within the nose. The septum is made up of cartilage in the front and bone in the back. The perforation can range from small to large, and may occur as a result of a number of factors, including trauma, infections, drug use, and prior nasal surgery.
Causes
Trauma:
– The most common cause of nasal septum perforation is trauma, such as a broken nose.
Infections:
– Chronic infections like tuberculosis or syphilis can cause perforation.
Drug use:
– Certain drugs, such as cocaine, can cause the septum to deteriorate and erode, leading to perforation.
Prior nasal surgery:
– In some cases, a prior nasal surgery may lead to a perforated septum.
Treatment
Surgical repair:
- For larger or symptomatic perforations, surgical repair is typically required. This may involve a variety of techniques, including tissue grafts or flaps, and is usually performed through an open approach.
Observation: - In some cases, a perforated septum may be small enough or asymptomatic enough to not require immediate treatment, and can be monitored over time.
Expectations
- Symptom Relief
- Improved Breathing
- Prevention of Complications
- Preservation of Nasal Function
- Improved appearance
Downtime
The downtime for surgery to repair a nasal septum perforation can vary depending on the size of the perforation, the surgical technique used, and individual factors such as overall health and healing ability. In general, recovery from nasal septum perforation repair may involve a few days to a couple of weeks of downtime.
