Paris Jackson has been clean and sober for nearly six years \u2014 but some side effects of drug use leave a permanent mark.<\/p>\n
Michael Jackson\u2019s daughter recently took to TikTok to reveal the issue that\u2019s still plaguing her years later, warning viewers: \u201cThat is umm \u2026 what you think it\u2019s from. Don\u2019t do drugs, kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paris Jackson opened up about her perforated septum on social media. parisjacksonbrasil\/Tiktok<\/p>\n
The \u201cAmerican Horror Story\u201d actress, 27, showed off her perforated septum<\/a>, which she said has been that way since she was 20.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone is going to have the experience they need to have with life. I\u2019m not going to tell anyone what to do. But I don\u2019t recommend [doing drugs] because it ruined my life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Despite her nose making a \u201creally loud whistle\u201d when she breathes, she said she doesn\u2019t want plastic surgery to fix it because she\u2019d need prescription painkillers \u2014 and she doesn\u2019t want to mess with her sobriety.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about the troubling condition.<\/p>\n What is a perforated septum?<\/p>\n Also called septal perforation<\/a>, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n It affects about 1.2% or some 90 million people.<\/p>\n What causes septal perforation?<\/p>\n Any trauma from injuries or damage to blood vessels<\/a> to the nasal cavity can cause separation in the septum.<\/p>\n Frequent cocaine use<\/a> is a prime culprit, as the drugs can cut off blood flow to the nose, resulting in further damage. <\/p>\n But it\u2019s not just illegal drugs that can cause it: Even frequent or long-term use of nasal sprays<\/a> can increase your chances.<\/p>\n Despite her nose making a \u201creally loud whistle\u201d when she breathes, she said she doesn\u2019t want plastic surgery to fix it because she\u2019d need prescription painkillers \u2014 and she doesn\u2019t want to mess with her sobriety. parisjacksonbrasil\/Tiktok<\/p>\n Tearing can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases<\/a> like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or long-term rhinosinusitis<\/a> (nasal dryness that thins and hardens the tissue).<\/p>\n In rare cases, a tumor can cause perforation, often from a type of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma<\/a>.<\/p>\n Certain work environments can also play a role. Those who are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals<\/a>, like chrome, are susceptible.<\/p>\n Other factors that can tear delicate nasal tissue include injuries like a broken nose or frequent nose picking.<\/p>\n The condition can be caused by lots of things, but in Paris\u2019 case it was drug use. Getty Images<\/p>\n What are the symptoms?<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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>.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Dryness inside the nose<\/p>\n Crusting<\/p>\n Nasal obstruction or congestion<\/p>\n Nosebleeds<\/p>\n Runny nose<\/p>\n In the most serious cases, the perforations can structurally compromise the nose, causing it to collapse. This can lead to difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n How is septal perforation diagnosed and treated?<\/p>\n A doctor will perform a nasal endoscopy<\/a>, where a flexible tube with a light and camera can take a closer look at the nasal passages.<\/p>\n And while it may be tempting to figure out yourself if your septum is torn, it\u2019s 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<\/a> or pressure can tear the tissue more.<\/p>\n Comedian Artie Lange, who has been open about his cocaine abuse, suffered nasal collapse.<\/p>\n What are treatment options?<\/p>\n Treatment can depend on how big the hole is, how severe symptoms are and whether the tear is affecting the structure of the nose.<\/p>\n Some septal perforations only require at-home treatments<\/a> of ointments or products that keep the inside of the nose moist.<\/p>\n Doctors may also provide a prosthetic button<\/a> made of a medical-grade safe material like silicone that fills the hole. These buttons can be either premade or custom-made to fit.<\/p>\n More severe tears could need surgery, however.<\/p>\n