It can get a little embarrassing. A few deep breaths in and out of your nose and you sound like a referee at the Super Bowl. What could be causing it? This annoying little feature could very well be what is called a nasal septal perforation. The septum is a bony cartilage structure that partitions the left and right halves of the nasal cavity. A small hole, or holes, called perforations can lead to whistling as well as other complications. Common causes of septal perforations include nose piercing, injury, consistent use of nasal decongestant sprays, and cocaine use. These small holes, if gone untreated can grow and lead to more serious problems such as chronic nosebleeds and breathing problems. Serious breathing problems can result if the septal structures collapse or become deviated.
What are the treatment options for septal perforations? Very often, these small holes do not need to be surgically corrected, as long as they are properly treated. Generally, these holes are dealt with by irrigation with a saline solution and kept moist with lubricating gel. Should the holes scab over and dry out, further breathing problems may be exacerbated. In some extreme cases, however surgery may be an option for a longer term solution.
The surgery to correct a septal hole is common and safe. Some surgeons will use an autograft technique to stitch the hole closed or create a flap that sits over the hole. It usually requires general anesthesia and can be accomplished in a clinical or hospital setting. After the surgery, soft nasal packs or splints may be used to speed recovery and buttress the nasal structures. The splints usually stay in for a week and follow up visits will be required in order to keep the surgical site clean and free of debris. Full recovery following the procedure can be expected about two weeks after the packing is removed. Patients are advised not to engage in any strenuous activity after septal perforation correction because it could bust the stitches.
If you have a serious, or even not so serious nasal hole that makes an annoying whistling sound; there are surgical as well as non-surgical options to help you.
