Perforation of the nasal septum: symptoms, treatment, rehabilitation

A perforation of the nasal septum is a through hole in the nasal septum that results from various injuries.

Causes of perforation:

• injury caused by the patient himself; perforation often occurs in people who have a habit of picking out crusts from the nose, this is, among other things, a common cause of perforations in children;

• perforations can occur as a complication after surgery on the nasal septum;

• prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops, hormonal drops, narcotic drugs inhaled through the nose;

• autoimmune vasculitis (for example, in Wegener's disease), when small vessels become clogged due to inflammation and the mucous membrane and cartilage tissue in the nose are destroyed due to lack of blood supply.

The symptoms of a perforation depend on its shape, size, and location. Some perforations can be asymptomatic for years.

The most common symptoms are:

• formation of crusts in the nose,

• nosebleeds,

• recurrent infection of the nasal mucosa,

• whistling when breathing.

The reasons for the increase in the size of the perforation:

• constant exposure to an air jet that dries the edges of the hole,

• constant infection with local microflora.

The consequences of perforation

Large perforations weaken the cartilaginous skeleton of the nose, which can cause the bridge of the nose to sag.

Treatment of nasal septum perforation

Asymptomatic small perforations do not require treatment, only dynamic observation. In all other cases, the perforations must be treated. The EMC treats perforations of any size and location in adults and children.

At the first stage, drug therapy is performed to reduce bacterial inflammation of the nasal mucosa and maximize the reduction of dryness and crusts around the perforation.

Surgical closure of the perforation is then performed. The choice of treatment method depends on the size and location of the perforation. For this, single- or double-sided flaps of various sizes are formed, which cover the perforation and are stitched. Then silicone splints (tires) are installed for 3-5 days. They improve the outcome of surgery, reduce the risks of postoperative complications and accelerate the patient's recovery.

Rehabilitation

The patient is discharged from the hospital the day after the operation. In the postoperative period, careful constant care of the nasal cavity and the sutures on the septum is required, especially after removing the splints. Care is provided by the patient independently at home, as well as by a doctor in the clinic every 5-7 days. The patient can return to work and live a normal life 3-5 days after the operation.

Limitations in the postoperative period:

• flight ban for 14 days,

• exclusion of physical activity for 1 month.

You can make an appointment with the EMC otorhinolaryngologists by phone: +7 495 933-66-55