The short answer is no: septum piercings don’t usually affect breathing in a negative way. However, this depends on the size of the jewelry being worn and how it is placed in the septum. Septum piercings have become increasingly popular, but does getting one means you could be left with difficulty breathing? It’s an important question to ask before taking the plunge and opting for a septum piercing. Recent studies suggest that while septum piercings can cause some changes in nasal airflow and swelling of the nose, they are usually temporary and resolve once the piercing has healed. Let’s take a look at what research has uncovered on this topic.
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What Are the Effects on Nasal Airflow?
A study from 2015 found that septum piercings are associated with a significant decrease in nasal airflow. The researchers used acoustic rhinometry to measure the changes in nasal airflow after piercing, and they discovered that the right side of participants’ noses had statistically lower levels than before their piercings. However, the study also found that once the piercings healed (usually within 8 weeks), there was no measurable difference between pre-piercing and post-healing nasal airflow on both sides of the nose.
What About Swelling? Another study published in 2019 reported that septum piercings may cause swelling of the nose due to inflammation caused by trauma or infection associated with getting pierced. Some research has even suggested that the swelling may lead to a decrease in nasal airflow, though this is yet to be confirmed. The good news is that swelling should resolve once the piercing has healed, so there’s no need to worry about long-term breathing issues caused by septum piercings.
Overall, it seems that while septum piercings can cause temporary changes in nasal airflow and swelling of the nose, these effects are usually short-lived once the piercing has healed. However, it’s important to ensure your piercer follows hygienic procedures during the piercing process and that you take proper care of your piercing afterward in order to reduce any potential risks of infection or other complications.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Symptoms from a Septum Piercing?
In order to reduce the potential for complications or breathing issues caused by a septum piercing, it’s important to ensure that your piercer follows proper hygienic procedures during and after the piercing process. This includes:
Wearing gloves: your piercer should wear gloves to prevent the spread of infection.
Using sterile tools: any tools used in the piercing process, such as needles and forceps, should be sterilized before use.
Cleaning your piercing: you should clean your piercing with a saline solution at least twice a day for the first week after getting pierced.
Additionally, it’s important to take proper care of your piercing during healing by avoiding certain activities (such as swimming or playing contact sports) that could cause trauma or infection. If you experience any signs of infection (including redness, swelling, pain, or discharge), it’s best to see a doctor immediately.
Is There Any Risk of Long-Term Damage from a Septum Piercing?
Although septum piercings can cause temporary changes in nasal airflow and swelling of the nose, these effects usually resolve when the piercing has healed. Research suggests that there is no long-term damage from a septum piercing as long as it is done correctly and cared for properly. However, if you experience any breathing difficulties or severe pain following your piercing, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
Septum piercings have become increasingly popular over recent years, but it’s important to understand how they might affect your breathing before making the decision to get one. Recent studies suggest that while some short-term effects such as decreased nasal airflow and swelling of the nose may occur, these should disappear once the piercing has healed. In order to reduce the risk of any complications or long-term damage, it’s important to ensure that your piercer follows hygienic procedures and that you take proper care of your piercing afterward.
What Should Be Done for Proper Healing After Getting a Septum Piercing?
For proper healing after getting a septum piercing:
Keep the area clean and dry: Clean the piercing twice a day with a saltwater solution or mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can irritate the skin.
Avoid touching the piercing: It’s important not to play with or fiddle with your jewelry too much, as this could cause infection.
Avoid contact with foreign substances: This includes avoiding swimming in pools or hot tubs while the piercing is healing, as well as avoiding makeup, lotions, and perfumes near the area.
Wear quality jewelry: It’s best to wear jewelry made of surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium to reduce irritation and potential allergic reactions.
See a professional piercer for any issues during healing: If you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or inflammation, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
Conclusion
Septum piercings are increasingly popular due to their stylish look – but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take proper care of your piercing in order to reduce any complications. Research suggests that there is no long-term damage from a septum piercing as long as it is done correctly and cared for properly, but if you experience any breathing difficulties or severe pain following your piercing, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately. With the right precautions, septum piercings can be a great way to express yourself!