I have a perforation of the septum that is about 1cm large.. What can I do?

Question

My main problem that I have trouble finding information on, is the vast amount of mucus produced because of it. I choke on it, it just about makes eating impossible as everything going past the thing irritates it and brings on huge amounts of mucus. As a result my entire system suffers from exhaustion and weakness, other unpleasant effects. That's about all I want to say in public... suffice to say this problem is greatly interfering with the quality of my life and so far there seems to be no help.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello voxsola,Thanks for your question.It is unusual for a septal perforation patient to complain of massive amounts of mucus production.  There may be a medical situation in your airways that is causing this.  If the air around you is dry, your sinuses will make more fluid to correct the situation.  In this case, I recommend the use of a cold mist humidifier at night when sleeping.  Also, nasal saline gel (Ayr) works to reduce excess drainage.For a temporary solution, a nasal septal button, can be placed to seal up the hole and restore normal bilateral airflow.  With normal airflow, you may notice a reduction in symptoms.If the cause of the septal perforation was use of nasal cocaine, cessation of cocaine usage will help the nasal mucosa heal up.  Septal perforation repair surgery is possible as long as you are healthy and you have no further nasal disease.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Your septal perforation can be repaired by an otolaryngology/facial plastic surgeon. This should improve or eliminate most of the related problems.

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a difficult and often challenging problem for patients, but fortunately surgical correction and repair is possible. The exact approach depends on your examination having a relatively clean nasal exam without active infection, along with understanding the size and location of the perforation. Additionally, you may need to know the cause of the perforation, i.e. previous surgery, nasal trauma, nose picking, medical conditions, infections or substance abuse, cocaine, etc. to get the best opinion as to how to repair. Patients with ongoing drug use are not candidates for repair. Personally, I favor repair via an open septorhinoplasty approach with direct perforation closure using mucosal tissue advancement flaps and Alloderm acellular graft interposition. Many septal perforations up to 3 cm or greater in size can be successfully closed in this way. There are many alternative surgeries available and each has it's advocates and detractors. Nevertheless, the irritation and crusting can be controlled by preoperative nasal washes, debridement and eventual surgical repair. I recommend searching for an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon with expertise in septal perforation repair and arrange for a complete consultation. I am confident that you can find a physician to help you. Good luck.

I have a perforation of the septum that is about 1cm large.. What can I do?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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I have a perforation of the septum that is about 1cm large.. What can I do?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.