Paris Jackson has been clean and sober for nearly six years — but some side effects of drug use leave a permanent mark.
Michael Jackson’s daughter recently took to TikTok to reveal the issue that’s still plaguing her years later, warning viewers: “That is umm … what you think it’s from. Don’t do drugs, kids.”
The “American Horror Story” actress, 27, showed off her perforated septum, which she said has been that way since she was 20.
“Everyone is going to have the experience they need to have with life. I’m not going to tell anyone what to do. But I don’t recommend [doing drugs] because it ruined my life,” she said.
Despite her nose making a “really loud whistle” when she breathes, she said she doesn’t want plastic surgery to fix it because she’d need prescription painkillers — and she doesn’t want to mess with her sobriety.
Here’s what to know about the troubling condition.
What is a perforated septum?
Also called septal perforation, it’s a hole in the cartilage or bone separating your nostrils (called the septum). This splits the nasal cavity into two parts so that air coming through the nose travels through two passages.
It affects about 1.2% or some 90 million people.
What causes septal perforation?
Any trauma from injuries or damage to blood vessels to the nasal cavity can cause separation in the septum.
Frequent cocaine use is a prime culprit, as the drugs can cut off blood flow to the nose, resulting in further damage.
But it’s not just illegal drugs that can cause it: Even frequent or long-term use of nasal sprays can increase your chances.
Tearing can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or long-term rhinosinusitis (nasal dryness that thins and hardens the tissue).
In rare cases, a tumor can cause perforation, often from a type of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.
Certain work environments can also play a role. Those who are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals, like chrome, are susceptible.
Other factors that can tear delicate nasal tissue include injuries like a broken nose or frequent nose picking.
What are the symptoms?
It’s very possible to have a nasal septal perforation without knowing it, although the symptoms can be annoying to deal with, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A whistling sound when you breathe through your nose like the one Jackson experiences is one sign that your septum has an extra hole. Others include:
- Dryness inside the nose
- Crusting
- Nasal obstruction or congestion
- Nosebleeds
- Runny nose
In the most serious cases, the perforations can structurally compromise the nose, causing it to collapse. This can lead to difficulty breathing.
How is septal perforation diagnosed and treated?
A doctor will perform a nasal endoscopy, where a flexible tube with a light and camera can take a closer look at the nasal passages.
And while it may be tempting to figure out yourself if your septum is torn, it’s best to leave the poking to the professionals. Sticking a finger up your nose to touch the perforated area is a bad idea, as bacteria can cause an infection or pressure can tear the tissue more.
What are treatment options?
Treatment can depend on how big the hole is, how severe symptoms are and whether the tear is affecting the structure of the nose.
Some septal perforations only require at-home treatments of ointments or products that keep the inside of the nose moist.
Doctors may also provide a prosthetic button made of a medical-grade safe material like silicone that fills the hole. These buttons can be either premade or custom made-to-fit.
More severe tears could need surgery, however.
While septoplasty is typically done to straighten a deviated septum, it can also be used to repair a torn septum.
A relatively new grafting procedure involves using cartilage or fascia to cover the hole.
