Intranasal abuse of prescription hydrocodone/acetaminophen results in oronasal fistula: A case report

Paul A. Sloan, MD; Oksana Klimkina, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2009.0039

Authors

Paul A. Sloan, MD
Oksana Klimkina, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2009.0039

Keywords:

intranasal opioid use, drug abuse, hydrocodone

Abstract

Opioids are becoming more common in the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain. With increased availability of opioids for chronic pain we may expect an increased misuse of these as analgesics as well. The authors describe the case report of a young woman with chronic back pain and intranasal abuse of prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen who was diagnosed after presenting for hypernasal speech and foreign body in the nose. This case report highlights the need for vigilance on the part of the physician for any aberrant drug-related behaviors. Any unusual symptoms or signs such as hypernasal speech, chronic nasal infection, or unexplained foreign body sensation in the nose should be thoroughly investigated.

Author Biographies

Paul A. Sloan, MD

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky.

Oksana Klimkina, MD

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky.

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