Nasal Septum Perforation due to Cocaine Abuse

Ntroduction: Differences in the effect of cocaine based on the route of administration have been an interest of researchers and clinicians for the past few decades. Intranasal administration of the powder form of cocaine (cocaine hydrochloride) was most popular.Introduction Cocaine is an alkaloid, which was originally used by South American Indians as a stimulant. It was introduced to medicine by Köller in the 1880s as a local anaesthetic. More recently, its stimulant effects have led to its use as a recreational drug resulting in social, economic and physical harm [1]. Differences in the effect of cocaine based on the route of administration have been an interest of researchers and clinicians for the past few decades. Intranasal administration of the powder form of cocaine (cocaine hydrochloride) was most popular [2]. Perforation of the nasal septum is an uncommon condition, When it occurs its cause is most often idiopathic or traumatic. Nasal septum perforation may also be the presenting sign of drug addiction. In this article, we describe a case of nasal septal perforation secondary to cocaine intranasal abuse. We also briefly review other common causes of perforation of the nasal septum. Case Report: This report describes the case of a 56-year-old man who was addicted to cocaine while 10 years and who presented with perforation of the nasal septum. The patient reported that he had always snorted through the right nostril. There was no history of trauma and no somatic or psychiatric troubles.