Perforated Septum

Perforated Septum 

Definition

A perforated septum is a hole in the nasal septum, the vertical plane of tissue that separates the nostrils.

Description

The nasal septum is a thin structure in the middle of the nose. In front, it is cartilage, further back it is bone. On either side, it is covered with mucus membranes. The cartilage depends upon the blood vessels in the mucus membranes on either side for its nutrition. If that blood supply is shut off, the cartilage dies, producing a hole or perforation.

Causes and symptoms

There are several causes of a perforated septum.

Perforation is not serious. It causes irritation, mostly complaints of dryness and crusting. Sometimes air blowing past it whistles. Picking at the crusts can cause bleeding.

Treatment

Surgical repair is not difficult. The surgeon may devise a plastic button that fits exactly into the defect and stays in place like a collar button.

Alternative treatment

Saline nasal sprays may be sufficient to control symptoms and prevent the need for surgery.

Key terms

Systemic lupus erythematosus — A collagen-vascular disease in the autoimmune category that causes damage to many different parts of the body.

Prevention

Nosebleeds from the septum can usually be controlled with pinching. Vaginal estrogen cream has also been used successfully to toughen the blood vessels.

Resources

Books

Ballenger, John Jacob. Disorders of the Nose, Throat, Ear, Head, and Neck. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1991.