Cocaine abuse is considered the fastest growing drug issue affecting the middle class. The effects of this drug are long lasting and far-reaching. Even when the person ends the use of the drug with help from Los Angeles drug addiction treatment, the long-term effects can already be in place. One area of the body that is significantly impacted by cocaine use is the nose.
When cocaine powder is “snorted” into the nostrils, it causes the blood vessels along the nose lining to shrink. Even with the rapid absorption significant damage still occurs. A short time after use of the drug, the blood vessels will begin to widen again and result in a red, stuffed-up, runny nose, which is a telltale sign of use. Even recovered addicts face issues with nasal passage damage long after cocaine use has been eliminated.
Types of Nasal Issues Caused by Cocaine
Despite what is commonly thought, the nose is actually an extremely complicated organ. When cocaine is snorted regularly, it can cause a number of issues including:
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Infections
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Epistaxis, or nosebleed
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Collapse of the nose
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Perforated septum, or a hole in the septum
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Complete loss of the sense of smell
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Chronic infections
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Allergy exacerbation
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Nose whistling
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Foul odors
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Nasal obstruction
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Anxiety
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Snoring
The Reason Nasal Injuries Occur after Cocaine Use
A person’s nose is extremely delicate, full of fragile blood vessels that are close to the outside layer of skin. The nasal septum, particularly, is prone to serious injury. While blood vessels constrict with cocaine use, they can repair themselves; however, with continued use, the lack of blood flow results in insufficient oxygen going to the lining in the nose. When this oxygen supply drops, the lining will begin to die. After the lining dies, it will no longer be able to support the cartilage that is beneath it, which will then die, as well. This is when a septal perforation – or, put simply, a hole in the nasal septum – will occur.
After it becomes perforated, the nose may actually collapse, since the septum is the entire structural support of the person’s nose.
When there is insufficient oxygen present, it will also cause the lining of the nose to be more prone to infections. The lining will also begin to break down, which can cause heavy nosebleeds.
Are these Injuries Treatable?
Prior to treating any nasal injury, the person must stop using cocaine. This gives the blood vessels time to recover, which will in turn allow the lining to recover. However, after the septal perforation has occurred, ending the use of cocaine alone will not fix the problem. The hole that is present will also be prone to an infection and become bigger as time passes. This can affect the look of the nose and produce what is referred to as the “saddle nose.” The user’s voice may also be affected when this perforation occurs.
Are you looking for addiction help? If so, contact Pax House for information about Los Angeles drug addiction treatment.
