$Unique_ID{BRK01259}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Can Using Cocaine Cause a Hole in Your Nose?}
$Subject{nose cocaine hole community social nasal septal perforation sniffing
heroin runny stuffed-up hardened mucus smell vasoconstriction holes drug drugs
coke coca cocaines nostril nostrils membrane membranes}
$Volume{Q-23,R-6}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Using Cocaine Cause a Hole in Your Nose?


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QUESTION:  I think it is just another scare tactic, but our teacher says that
using cocaine can cause a hole in your nose.  Would you please tell us the
truth, and how it could happen if it is so?

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ANSWER:  What you heard is true.  Nasal septal perforation (hole in the wall
of the nose) can be caused by sniffing cocaine or heroin.  The condition also
can be due to other causes such as excessive nose-picking, chronic infections
caused by syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy, or other conditions, and even
excessive use of vasoconstrictor (causing constriction of the blood vessels)
nose sprays.
     Frequent sniffing of cocaine produces chronic nasal irritation which
leads to "runny and/or stuffed-up nose," hardened mucus (and sometimes total
lack of it), difficulties with the sense of smell, and, finally, "holes in the
nose."  The combination of the effects from frequent sniffing of cocaine;
vasoconstriction, nasal crusting and the heavy nose-picking which often
follows crusting, damage the nose until blood virtually stops flowing into it
and the cartilage becomes severely damaged to the point of developing holes.
You can believe your teacher on this one.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.