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Sinus & Nose Problems From Cocaine: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Cocaine is a dangerous drug that can cause nose damage and serious health problems. Sinus and nasal congestion problems are one of the many potential side effects of cocaine use. If you’re experiencing sinus problems and think they may be related to cocaine, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Snorting cocaine inflames the nasal cavity and with extended abuse can have long-lasting negative effects on the nose and breathing.

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Can You Get Nose Damage From Cocaine?

Yes, Cocaine is a powerful and addictive drug that can cause serious damage to the body and particularly the nose. One of the ways it can harm users is by causing sinus problems. Drug abuse irritates the nasal cavity and sinuses, which can lead to pain and infections.

In addition, cocaine damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the sinuses. This can cause inflammation and blockages that make it difficult for air to flow through the sinuses. As a result, users may experience difficulty breathing, headaches, and other symptoms. Anyone who is using cocaine should be aware of the risks and seek medical help if they experience any problems.

Snorting Cocaine Causes Nose Damage

Does Shooting Or Smoking Cocaine Affect Sinuses?

Cocaine is a dangerous and addictive drug that can have serious consequences for your health. One of the most common problems associated with substance abuse is sinus infections. If you snort cocaine, it can damage the delicate tissues in your nose, including the nasal septum.

This can lead to a condition called septal perforation, which can cause serious breathing problems. snorting cocaine can also cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to a blocked or plugged nose.

In addition, snorting cocaine can irritate the mucous membranes in your nose, causing a bloody or runny nose. If you smoke crack or freebase cocaine, the fumes can also irritate your respiratory tract and cause sinus problems. So if you’re using cocaine, be aware of the risks and get help if you start to experience any sinus problems.

Does Cocaine Cause Sinus Infections?

Cocaine use has been researched to cause an increased risk of sinus pain and sinus infections because the drug irritates the nose and sinuses. Continued cocaine use puts extra stress on the nose which can in turn increase the risk of a sinus infection due to extreme inflammation. Sinus infections are dangerous and can spread to other areas of the body and kill cells damaging the nose, sinuses, and eyes.

How Can You Unclog Your Nose When You Have A Cocaine Addiction?

When you have a cocaine addiction, one of the side effects is that your nose becomes constantly clogged. This is because cocaine damages the lining of your nose, which leads to inflammation and congestion. Saline nasal rinses can help to clear out your nose and reduce congestion. You can pick up saline nasal rinses at any drug or grocery store.

They’re usually called saline nasal rinse, saline nasal mist, saline nasal spray, or saline nasal irrigation. Avoid sprays that have other ingredients besides saline (like Afrin or Nasacort). To use a saline rinse, mix the contents of the packet with 8 ounces of distilled or sterile water. Lean over a sink and tilt your head to the side.

Gently insert the tip of the bottle or neti pot into your nostril and allow the solution to flow through your nose and into the other nostril. Repeat on the other side. You can do this several times a day as needed.

Does Snorting Cocaine Cause Deviated Septum?

The Clear & Cut answer is YES. While medical professionals have yet to reach a consensus on the matter, there is some evidence that suggests that habitual cocaine use can lead to a deviated septum. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage that separates the nostrils and helps to support the nose.

When it is damaged or pushed out of place, it is known as a deviated septum. There are a number of factors that can cause this condition, including injury, trauma, and various diseases. Some experts also believe that habitual cocaine use can contribute to a deviated septum. This is because cocaine constricts blood vessels (You feel decreased blood supply) and dries out the mucus membranes.

As a result, the tissue in the nose can become irritated and inflamed. Over time, this can lead to the septum becoming misaligned. If you suspect that you have a deviated septum, it is important to see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Does A Deviated Septum From Cocaine Use Require Surgery?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on the severity of the deformity. Early medical or surgical intervention of cocaine nose may help stifle the progression of the deformity. Treatment of advanced nasal deformities resulting from cocaine abuse is often complex and may require a staged surgical approach over several months.

In general, however, the answer is yes – a deviated septum from cocaine use will likely require surgery to correct. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, please seek help from a qualified medical professional.

Cocaine Use And Nose Bleeds: Broken Blood Vessels

When you snort cocaine, the drug is absorbed through the nasal membranes and goes directly to the brain. Cocaine constricts blood vessels and can cause them to break. This can lead to nose bleeds, especially if you blow your nose too hard.

Cocaine can also dry out the mucus membranes in your nose, which can lead to cracking and bleeding. If you smoke cocaine, the fumes can also irritate your respiratory tract and cause nose bleeds.

Furthermore, cocaine use can cause nose bleeds through broken blood vessels. When cocaine is snorted, it damages the delicate tissues in the nose. This can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can break and trigger a nosebleed.

Cocaine can also damage the blood vessels in the nose, leading to increased bleeding. If you are using cocaine, be aware of the risks for nose bleeds and get help if you start to experience them.

What Are Other Health Problems Snorting Cocaine Can Cause?

Short-term effects of cocaine may include:

  • Intense happiness
  • Paranoia
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight
  • Decreased appetite
  • Anger/irritability

More serious side effects and health problems, like:

  • Mood problems
  • Headaches
  • Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
  • Convulsions and seizures
  • HIV or hepatitis if you inject it
  • Sexual trouble
  • Bowel decay if you swallow it
  • Lung damage
  • Loss of smell, nosebleeds, runny nose, and trouble swallowing, if you snort it. Snorting cocaine also can cause ulcers in the lining of the nose.

Intense happiness

Cocaine is a stimulant that can cause intense happiness. This is because it releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure. Cocaine can also cause feelings of euphoria and excitement. However, these feelings are short-lived and often replaced by feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and irritability.

Paranoia

Cocaine can cause paranoia. This is because the drug can interfere with the way the brain processes information. Regarding this problem, it is also Possible that cocaine cause people to have delusions and hallucinations.

Extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight

Cocaine can cause extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight. This is because the drug stimulates the nervous system. Regarding this problem, it is also Possible that cocaine cause people to have trouble sleeping and to experience anxiety.

Decreased appetite

Cocaine can decrease appetite. This is because the drug increases metabolism and suppresses hunger. Regarding this problem, it is also Possible that cocaine cause weight loss.

Anger/irritability

Cocaine can cause anger and irritability. This is because the drug can interfere with the brain’s ability to process information. Regarding this problem, it is also Possible that cocaine cause people to have mood swings and to be more impulsive.

Some of the Serious Problems Includes:

Mood problems

Cocaine can cause mood problems. This is because the drug interferes with the brain’s ability to process information. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine cause people to have mood swings and to be more impulsive.

Headaches

Cocaine can cause headaches. This is because the drug constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the brain.

Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke

Cocaine can cause heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. This is because the drug constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the heart. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Convulsions and seizures

Cocaine can cause convulsions and seizures. This is because the drug interferes with the brain’s ability to process information.

HIV or hepatitis if you inject it

Cocaine can cause HIV or hepatitis if you inject it. This is because the drug can be contaminated with bloodborne viruses. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine cause abscesses, cellulitis, and endocarditis.

Sexual trouble

Cocaine can cause sexual problems. This is because the drug interferes with the brain’s ability to process information. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine cause anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.

Bowel decay if you swallow it

Cocaine can cause bowel decay if you swallow it. This is because the drug can damage the lining of the intestine. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine causes constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Lung damage

Cocaine can cause lung damage. This is because the drug can damage the lungs and cause inflammation. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine causes bronchospasm, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema.

Loss of smell

Nosebleeds, runny nose, and trouble swallowing, if you snort it.

Snorting cocaine also can cause ulcers in the lining of the nose.

Cocaine can cause loss of smell, nosebleeds, runny nose, and trouble swallowing if you snort it. Regarding this problem, it is also possible that cocaine cause ulcers in the lining of the nose.

Death

Cocaine can cause death. This is because the drug interferes with the brain’s ability to process information. Cocaine can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Cocaine overdose is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

Addiction Treatment And Rehab For Cocaine Is Available

There is always light available at the end of the tunnel, So if you are you know someone who is struggling with cocaine, Magnified Health Systems has multiple different addiction treatment options available to help care for you as you recover. Contact us and start the road to a new substance-free life.

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Blanco, G. F., Madeo, M. C., Martínez, M., & Vázquez, M. E. (2017). Case for diagnosis. palate perforation due to cocaine use. Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, 92(6), 877–878.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.

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