Why is my nasal cartilage looking like Swiss cheese?
All of a sudden I had a really bad nose bleed. It seemed as if it wouldn’t stop. Afterwards I noticed a hole in my nasal cartilage in each nostril but it wasn’t through and through. There are now more holes in both nostrils. It looks like Swiss cheese. What is destroying my nasal cartilage? Why? Is it cancer? Treatment?
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Here are some possibilities that a doctor would likely consider:
This is from ai:
1. Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's granulomatosis) or relapsing polychondritis, can affect the cartilage and blood vessels in the nose, leading to inflammation, nosebleeds, and cartilage destruction.
2. Infections: While less common, certain severe bacterial or fungal infections could potentially damage nasal cartilage.
3. Substance Abuse: Snorting certain drugs can severely damage the nasal septum and cartilage over time, potentially leading to perforations.
4. Trauma: While queenr didn't mention a specific injury, even seemingly minor repeated trauma could, in rare cases, contribute to cartilage damage. However, the sudden onset and multiple holes make this less likely as the primary cause.
5. Certain Medications: Some medications, though less commonly, can have side effects that affect the nasal passages.
6. Cancer: While it's natural to be concerned about cancer, it's less likely to present with this specific pattern of sudden severe nosebleed followed by multiple cartilage perforations. However, a doctor would need to rule out any rare or unusual presentations.
You need immediate testing done
You should visit ENT asap. For you use nasal spray by any chance or in hale anything through your nose?