Did you know that if you lived in the late 1800s, you may have been given cocaine as an anesthetic or to control bleeding and pain?
Today, cocaine is a Schedule II substance due to its strongly negative effects on the body and mind, which include cocaine nose. While cocaine may not be as widely used as marijuana or alcohol, it’s still a problem. In 2022, 2 percent of 12th graders in Arizona used cocaine on one or more occasions. Cocaine, in all its forms, can cause serious and damaging effects.
If you or a loved one is experiencing cocaine use disorder, Wolf Creek Recovery can help. Our staff is in recovery and we can relate to what you are going through. You may be scared, overwhelmed, or even embarrassed, but we want to reassure you that cocaine use disorders can be successfully managed. Not only can treatment give you your life back, but you can also protect yourself from further damage like cocaine nose. Let’s learn more about this condition and its symptoms.
What Is Cocaine Nose?
Many people are aware of the effects cocaine can have on the central nervous system, but it’s also important to be aware of the repercussions on nasal and oral health. One specific issue that can occur with cocaine use is cocaine nose.
Understanding Cocaine Nose
Cocaine nose, also known as nasal septum perforation or cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL), refers to the damage caused to the nasal structures due to chronic cocaine use. This condition can have serious complications for those who misuse cocaine. Unfortunately, once the nasal tissues are damaged, they cannot be repaired on their own.
It takes many years for damage to the nasal septum to develop; however, heavy cocaine use can accelerate the process.
Here’s What Cocaine Does to Your Nose
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that is often snorted through the nose, leading to direct contact with the nasal tissues. The substance causes vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the nasal tissues. Over time, this can cause the tissues to die and damage to occur to the septum and surrounding tissues. Furthermore, the repeated use of cocaine can lead to chronic inflammation, infection, and the perforation of the nasal septum.
Nose Damage From Cocaine
Due to cocaine’s vasoconstrictive properties, it’s possible to experience permanent nose damage from the substance. Here are some examples of the nasal complications that can occur:
Cocaine Nose Bleeds
Nosebleeds are a common side effect of cocaine use. They occur because of the substance’s irritating and damaging effects on the nasal tissues. Cocaine causes blood vessels in the nose to constrict, reducing blood flow and causing the delicate tissues to become fragile and prone to bleeding. The substance can also dry out the nasal passages, making them more susceptible to injury, and causes cumulative damage to the nasal tissues, resulting in ulcerations, sores, and tissue death.
Cocaine Nose Scabs
Snorting cocaine can lead to the formation of nose scabs. These crusty lesions form inside the nasal passages due to chronic irritation from the substance. As the body attempts to heal damaged tissue, scabs form, and they can be painful, uncomfortable, and prone to infection. Usually, these lesions are visible upon inspection and can cause a host of other symptoms, including chronic stuffiness, difficulty breathing, and persistent pain and discomfort.
Cocaine Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are another complication of cocaine use. These infections can be frequent and severe, significantly impacting a person’s health and quality of life. The sinuses are air-filled spaces around the nasal cavity. Due to the inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired drainage caused by cocaine, the sinuses become more susceptible to bacterial infections. These infections can cause facial pain, thick, discolored nasal discharge, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell and taste.
Cocaine Nose Holes (Nasal Perforation)
Nose holes or nasal perforations are serious and can have long-term consequences. These holes develop in the septum, the cartilage, and bone that separates the two nostrils. Cocaine use damages the tissues and causes these perforations, which require medical attention. Common symptoms include persistent stuffiness, a whistling noise, nosebleeds, scabbing, and deformities.
Deviated Septum
Some people are born with a deviated septum, while others get one from injury or damage, including cocaine use. A deviated septum can lead to chronic sinusitis, breathing difficulties, and even extensive tissue damage. Some people respond well to decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays, while others may require surgical intervention to correct the deviation.
Saddle Nose Deformity
Also known as saddle nose, saddle nose deformity is a condition where the bridge of the nose collapses, resulting in a scooped or concave appearance. It can be caused by a number of factors, including cocaine use. While surgical intervention can be used to reconstruct the nasal septum bridge, the most crucial step is to stop using cocaine.
Hard Palate Damage
When cocaine is snorted or smoked, it can damage various parts of the nasal and oral cavities, including the hard palate. Common symptoms include oral pain and discomfort, ulcers and sores, perforations, infections, and bad breath. Antibiotics and pain medications can treat this damage, but surgery may be necessary to close perforations and repair the hard palate.
Loss of Sense of Smell
With the damage that cocaine can cause on the nose and mouth, it’s understandable why some people may experience a loss of smell as well. Known as anosmia, this condition can be caused by chronic inflammation, tissue erosion, nasal congestion, and constricted blood vessels. Maintaining good nasal hygiene and practicing olfactory training can restore a sense of smell.
Nasal Collapse
When the nasal structures are damaged, they can weaken and collapse, resulting in functional and aesthetic issues. For instance, the nose may appear flattened or concave, making it difficult to breathe. Surgical interventions, such as rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and prosthetic devices, are often required to repair the issue.
Repairing Nose Damage From Cocaine
The first step in repairing nose damage from cocaine use is to stop using cocaine. Your nose can’t heal if it’s constantly fighting inflammation, perforations, congestion, nosebleeds, and scabs. There are also some things you can do to care for your nose based on the symptoms you are having. For instance, saline sprays can keep the nasal passages moist, while regular nasal rinses can keep them clean. Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to treat inflammation, swelling, and infections. It is also possible that surgical intervention may be needed, especially for more serious complications like saddle nose or perforations.
Treatment for Cocaine Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Treatment for cocaine addiction includes a combination of talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, and alternative therapies, including yoga, exercise, and outdoor therapy. The goal is to work through traumas or mental health concerns you may be experiencing, as well as to discover new, healthy activities to enjoy in your free time. Medications may also be used to treat withdrawal symptoms such as depression.
Wolf Creek Recovery is here for you when you are ready to start treatment. We will meet you where you are and provide you with the support and guidance you need to create a healthier life. While you will spend a lot of time in individual counseling and group therapy, you will also have the opportunity to be out in nature in beautiful Prescott, AZ where there are panoramic views of the mountains and lakes. Contact us today at 833-732-8202 and take the next step to building a life you love.
FAQs About Cocaine Nose
What is cocaine nose?
Cocaine nose is a condition caused by snorting cocaine through the nose. The substance causes constriction of the blood vessels, which can lead to a number of complications including death of the nasal tissues.
What are the symptoms of cocaine nose?
The symptoms of cocaine nose include holes in the septum, chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and a whistling noise. In extreme cases, there may be physical deformities as well.
How is cocaine nose treated?
A number of medications may be used to treat inflammation, congestion, and swelling, such as steroids, nasal sprays, and antihistamines. Sinus infections may be treated with antibiotics. Severe cases of cocaine nose may require surgical intervention.
