I have what I believe is maybe a deviated septum, but the 'hole' is not between the nasal passages. Rather, it is towards the back of my left nostril (in the middle), on what I would call the 'floor' of that cavity.
When I shine a flashlight into the roof of my mouth I can see light coming through the hole & into my nostril (as well as a worn place much deeper that on the other side).
When I shine the light back & forth between the 2 nasal passages, I can see no light. Also, I can't see any place in the roof of my mouth that looks damaged.
I am a former heavy internasal cocaine user. Sice I have quit, does this still need to be looked at? What are the possible complications? How exactly are the nostrils & throat connected?
Thanks,
Worried in Texas
Reply: -------------------------------
I am not entirely clear as to what you are describing. The information you have provided suggests the possibility of what is known as an oral-nasal fistula which is an opening through the roof of the mouth into the nasal passage. This can be seen with chronic intranasal cocaine use. Such a fistula can be a source of intranasal infections due to the contamination of nasal tissue by normal oral flora. I would recommend an examination by an otolaryngologist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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