Last year I took cocaine on four occasions. I used it carefully and infrequently in small doses, and altogether I have consumed between 0.5-1 gram at the most over a period of 10 months. I certainly was not addicted, and I have suffered no nose bleeds, headaches, or psychological problems as a result - but I think I may have permanently damaged the lining in my nose!

I was fine until the the last time I used it in November '06, when I immediately experienced a strong painful burning sensation after using it. Ever since my right nasal passage has felt larger when breathing and air feels colder. For the first 2 months I experienced chronic build up of thick mucus in the effected nostril (sometimes blocking air flow entirely). Although this has subsided since February, my nose is rarely clear and is always slightly blocked.

Now, if I put my finger in my right nostril I can feel the skin above my septum has become inflamed and is larger than in my left nostril. Sometimes my septum feels very tight, almost a pulling sensation. Superficially, I have also noticed a slight wilting of my right nostril (has become slightly smaller than the left).

It does not help that I am exposed to a number of occupational toxins at work (vegetable/mineral based brake oils) which do seem to irritate my nose more than they used to...

To prevent worsening of these problems. I have cut down on smoking (down to 4-6 a week), and practice nasal irrigation once a day with warm water/saline solution. Can you recommend anything else, and advice whether or not this problem is likely to be serious/long term? I know a lot of people that have used 50-100 times more than I have, and seem ok. I am beginning to think the last stuff I had was probably caustic/cut bad....


Many thanks for your advice.