Disfigured faces, impressively deformed. Wrinkles, swellings, parts of the lips that are no longer there, mouths and noses that have almost disappeared. These are the slow but inexorable effects of cocaine. Professor Matteo Trimarchi, Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of Universitą della Svizzera italiana (USI) and Head of Otorhinolaryngology Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC ), spoke about these severe effects, even among the youngest, in an interview with La Domenica.
Professor Matteo Trimarchi , Professor of Otolaryngology at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at USI, has extensively researched the effects of exposure to the white powder on the body. "Cocaine is primarily used nasally; it is commonly referred to as "snorting." This narcotic provides a euphoric sensation. However, users often feel compelled to take another dose as the effects diminish. In addition to influencing vital organs such as the heart and nervous system, cocaine can also lead to serious health issues affecting the nose and mouth," he explains.
The consequences of "snorting" are devastating, especially for young people who use this substance without fully understanding the risks involved. "In practice, inhaling cocaine through a straw or rolled-up bill can gradually erode the delicate tissue separating the nasal cavities. This can lead to a perforation, allowing the drug to affect both nostrils". At this stage, the damage can be extremely severe as the perforation may widen to the extent that the natural division between the right and left nasal fossae is eliminated, leading to the collapse of the tip of the nose. In some cases, the tip may be eroded entirely, resulting in only one nostril remaining. As the condition progresses, all structures within the lateral wall of the nose, including the turbinates, are destroyed. "The process can sometimes extend upward, leading to erosion of the orbital wall, with a vasoconstriction of the retinal artery, potentially resulting in vision loss. Unfortunately, the damage can progress to the point where it erodes the roof of the nasal cavity, which could lead to brain exposure or affect the vertebral column," comments Matteo Trimarchi.
For 30 years now, Professor Trimarchi has been studying the effects of cocaine on the nose and throat. "Initially, we observed that patients diagnosed with vasculitis, for example, did not experience identical consequences from their addiction. As we continued our research, we identified that severe lesions were linked to certain characteristics that indicated a connection to cocaine use. Later, we scientifically demonstrated in the laboratory that cocaine induces a process called apoptosis in healthy cells of the nasal tissue, leading to the progressive death of those cells. This process ultimately destroys the nasal tissue due to cocaine’s effects".
Returning to the previous question, why don’t all people with an addiction to cocaine have damaged noses’ "Through a series of genetic tests, we discovered that the patients we studied had genetic alterations. Specifically, if an individual with a genetic alteration used cocaine, they experienced severe negative effects. It’s worth noting that the substance’s composition is not significant in this context, as our cell research was conducted using pure cocaine," explains Professor Trimarchi. However, people who do not have a genetic alteration and use cocaine can still experience adverse effects. Cocaine blocks mucus flow in the nasal passages, which can lead to scabs forming. These scabs may result in lacerations and infections, causing breathing difficulties. The timeline for these damages is not well understood; some individuals may develop problems a year after their first use, while others may not experience damage until ten years later.
"We can examine this phenomenon from various perspectives, but ultimately, one thing remains clear: individuals with serious injuries will experience significant suffering. The only potential positive aspect-if it can be considered - is that when you address the issue, unlike a tumour, the serious injury can cease to cause further harm," comments Matteo Trimarchi. However, towards cocaine and the world around it, there is a superficial mental attitude. "Because society views it as a recreational drug, the obvious damage and side effects on the nose and throat are often silenced. It is crucial to start educating students about these side effects as early as high school. Given the high consumption rate among young people, involving teachers and parents in this conversation is important. Those who find themselves addicted need to recognize that seeking help is essential; trying to overcome this situation alone is often ineffective,’ Trimarchi concludes.
