Nasal Septum Perforation

A nasal septum perforation is a medical condition in which the nasal septum, the cartilaginous membrane dividing the nostrils, develops a hole or fissure.

This may be brought on directly, as in the case of nasal piercings, or indirectly, as by long-term topical drug use like cocaine or decongestant nasal sprays, chronic epistaxis, aggressive digital nasal cleaning (nose picking) and as a complication of nasal surgery like septoplasty or rhinoplasty. Much less common causes for perforated nasal septums include rare granulomatous inflammatory conditions like Wegener's granulomatosis. It has been reported as a side effect of anti-angiogenesis drugs like bevacizumab.