What is a common cause of friable nasal turbinates in adolescents?

Friable nasal turbinates refer to turbinates that are fragile and prone to bleeding or irritation. One common cause of this condition in adolescents is cocaine use. Cocaine is a powerful vasoconstrictor, and its use can lead to ischemia of the nasal mucosa. When the mucosa becomes ischemic, it is more likely to become fragile and bleed easily, resulting in friable turbinates. Prolonged use can also lead to damage of the nasal passages, including perforation of the nasal septum and changes to the overall structure of the nasal cavity.

While allergic reactions can contribute to nasal symptoms and cause irritation, they typically result in swelling and congestion rather than friability. Viral infections, such as the common cold, may lead to inflammation and temporary changes in nasal tissue but are not specifically associated with friable turbinates. Nasal polyps can obstruct airflow and cause chronic nasal symptoms, but they do not directly cause the turbinates to become friable. Thus, the association between cocaine use and friable nasal turbinates is particularly strong among adolescents who may be experimenting with substances.