What is 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. • Wearing ornaments in the nose. To hang an ornament from the middle of the nose requires that the tissue directly in front of the septal cartilage be pierced or perforated. • Sniffing cocaine. Cocaine is a potent vasoconstrictor, which means that it causes small blood vessels to close. It is used in nose surgery because it shrinks mucus membranes, permitting better visualization and access into the nose. Used continuously, tissues are de
