Runny Nose After Using? The Link Between Drugs and Nasal Symptoms

Nasal symptoms like a runny nose can result from a number of factors, from allergies to the flu and common colds. However, many nose issues can stem from substance abuse, which is dangerous to dismiss as innocuous symptoms of hay fever or a common cold.

Why does drug use affect the nose?

Different types of substances can be administered with different methods, like swallowing, smoking, injecting, or snorting. Depending on the method, effects will present themselves in different ways. As an example, cocaine that is injected or smoked in “crack” form produces a quicker onset and stronger high. Alternatively, snorting means it takes longer for the drug to enter the bloodstream and will affect the person’s nose.

Your nasal passages are delicate structures that rely on mucous membranes and a network of blood vessels to function properly. When drug use becomes more frequent, there are significantly higher risks for uncomfortable, painful and even dangerous symptoms for the nose.

Two of the main risks for nasal damage from substance abuse are:

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Which drugs most commonly cause nasal symptoms?

There are many substances known to irritate and damage the nasal passages, not only when snorted but also when smoked or taken in high doses.

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What are the long-term effects of drug use on nasal health?

If you experience a runny nose after using drugs, it often becomes too easy to dismiss it as a minor effect or convince yourself it’s just linked to a common cold or an allergy. However, dismissing a short-term effect can spell extreme danger for long-term health.

Some of the long-term nasal effects of repeated substance use include:

• Nasal septum damage or perforation: One of the most serious complications of snorting drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine is “septal perforation,” meaning the wall dividing your two nostrils is eroded. Research shows how cocaine can cause mucosal lesions, leading to necrosis of septal cartilage and perforation of the septum. The damage caused to the nasal structure is irreversible, even after cessation, with the only solution being surgical repair.
• Chronic sinus infections and nasal ulcers: After prolonged use, injury to the lining of your nasal passages increases the risk of nasal ulcers. These are painful sores inside or around the nose that don’t heal easily due to the resulting lack of blood flow through vasoconstriction. A nasal ulcer can quickly spread to deeper structures in the nose and increase the risk of developing an infection.
• Loss of smell (anosmia) and chronic congestion: Small cells in the upper part of your nasal cavity are known as olfactory receptor cells. These specialised cells detect odours and pass signals to your brain, allowing you to interpret different smells. The cells are part of your nasal mucosa and are significantly damaged when you use powdered cocaine. If damage persists, there is a potential for the complete loss of smell, known as “anosmia.” For some people, this means they can’t taste or smell as well as usual. However, the data linking cocaine use and olfactory cell damage is still limited.

Are these symptoms a sign of drug addiction?

While some of the milder symptoms may not necessarily show that a person is addicted, they may be a subtle indicator of drug misuse. Understanding the context in which nasal symptoms appear is critical to recognising potential drug addiction.

If you are concerned that someone close to you is snorting drugs and is affected by substance abuse, you may want to keep an eye out for some signs:

• Snorting paraphernalia (straws, paper tubes, tightly rolled money notes)
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Noisy breathing
• Disturbed sleep

Symptoms of drug addiction may start out subtly, but as the addiction develops, they become increasingly dangerous. If you recognise some or all of these signs in a loved one and you suspect they are frequently snorting drugs, it may be important to raise your concerns. Recognising an addiction early on will always help the chances of a person’s recovery.

Where can I find help for an addiction?

Every substance addiction over time will result in painful and dangerous symptoms, with the nose being just one area affected. If you or a loved one resonates with the points raised, it may be time to take the first step towards recovery before addiction takes complete control.

At UKAT, we understand the physical symptoms linked to substance abuse, including nasal problems. We understand how they can progress to deeper problems if left untreated. Our specialised treatment programmes use medical detox to help clear drugs from the system. Our staff are trained to help you manage withdrawal symptoms and our long-term recovery strategies help you remain substance-free as you return to normal life.

Whether you’re concerned about your own drug use or someone dear to you, our expert team is here to listen without judgement and guide you on the path to healing.