What Does Meth Do to Your Nose?

Increased Risk of Sinus Infections

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is inflammation of the tissues in the sinuses. (16) The sinuses are a connected system of spaces in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Sinus infections are mainly caused by the common cold, however, snorting meth can increase the risk of an individual developing a sinus infection. (17)

Signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include: (18)

• Mucus dripping down the throat, also known as postnasal drip
• Runny nose with thick green and yellow mucus
• Stuffy nose
• Pain in the teeth and ears
• Pressure in the face
• Fever
• Coughing
• Bad breath
• Headache
• Fatigue

Infection of the Lungs

Research has shown that meth use can cause lung inflammation and abnormalities. Research has also found that when meth is ingested into the body, the lungs absorb more meth than any other organ. (19) Methamphetamine-induced lung infection can be a result of snorting meth. (20)

Other issues of the lungs associated with snorting meth include: (21)

• Pneumonia
• Respiratory failure
• Fluids found in the lungs
• High blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs

Breathing Complications

Snorting meth can cause impairments to breathing. Meth use can increase the chances of an individual experiencing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. (22) Both of these conditions make it difficult to breathe. It can also be difficult to breathe out of nostrils that are affected in any way due to snorting meth.

Loss of Smell

The nose can be so damaged from meth use that over time, an individual can lose their sense of smell. Unfortunately, loss of smell is a natural consequence of chronic and long-term meth use.

What is a Meth or Coke Nose Hole?

Meth and cocaine are two substances in which long-term use can lead to a hole forming in the nose. The hole can develop at the bridge of the nose. If the hole is small and does not spread into the septum, it may heal on its own. However, if the hole reaches the septum and goes through each side of the nose, it will not heal on its own and surgery would be needed. The only way to prevent a meth nose hole is to stop using meth.

Treatment for Meth-Related Nasal Damage

The treatment for meth nose damage is limited as many of the symptoms are irreversible. Cosmetic surgeries can be done to help repair the nose from consequences such as a deviated septum or a saddle nose.

The best treatment for nasal damages caused by meth use is to stop using meth. Stopping meth use is best done within a treatment center, where an individual can receive supervised detoxification services. Meth detox helps monitor and alleviate the negative symptoms associated with withdrawal. Substance use treatment facilities also can provide different levels of care, such as residential inpatient, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient, in order to meet an individual’s specific treatment needs. Attending a treatment program which provides therapeutic services, such as individual, family, and group therapy, can help an individual get to the root of their substance use.