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Pronunciations granuloma polyp rhinitis vestibulitis Wegener's granulomatosis

Ulcers and holes (perforations) in the nasal septum may occur as a result of nasal surgery, repeated injury such as that resulting from picking the nose, or diseases such as Wegener's granulomatosis and syphilis. Frequent use of cocaine snorted through the nose causes ulcerations and perforations because it decreases blood flow.

Symptoms may include crusting around the nostrils and repeated nosebleeds. People who have small perforations in the septum may make a whistling sound when they breathe.

BacitracinSome Trade Names
AK-TRACIN
ointment reduces the crusting. Doctors can sometimes surgically repair perforations using a person's own tissue from another part of the nose or with an artificial membrane made of a soft, pliable plastic. Most perforations do not need to be repaired unless bleeding or crusting is a major problem.

Last full review/revision February 2003