Nasal Cavity and Laryngopharyngeal Erosion Secondary to Intranasal Pain Medication Abuse: A Case Report

Baker A, Oberman BS, Warrick J and Andrews G

Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, USA College of Medicine, USA
Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University, USA

^*Correspondance to: Genevieve Andrews 

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Abstract:

Objectives: Intranasal abuse of prescription medications is well documented; however, few reports of intranasal acetaminophen abuse exist. We characterize the presentation and manifestations of intranasal acetaminophen abuse in order to expedite diagnosis and treatment.Methods: We present a case of a 20-year-old female presented with 6 months of pain, pharyngitis, hoarseness, and odynophagia secondary to intranasal acetaminophen inhalation, which was initially treated for sinusitis.Results: Initial examination showed erosion of nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal structures resulting from her acetaminophen inhalation. Treatment included debridement of necrotic tissues and debris, as well as long-term antimicrobials. In follow-up, there was stenosis of supraglottic structures.Conclusions: Intranasal acetaminophen abuse can present with signs and symptoms similar to pharyngitis or sinusitis, with visible crushed pill material. Long-term abuse can lead to the erosion of upper aerodigestive tract structures.

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Cite the Article:

Baker A, Oberman BS, Warrick J, Andrews G. Nasal Cavity and Laryngopharyngeal Erosion Secondary to Intranasal Pain Medication Abuse: A Case Report. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2016; 1: 1072.