Paris Jackson says she has 'perforated septum': What it means
What's the story
Paris Jackson, the daughter of pop icon Michael Jackson, recently opened up about her past struggles with addiction in a TikTok video. She revealed that her substance abuse has resulted in a "perforated septum," which causes "a really loud whistle when I breathe through my nose." The 27-year-old singer and actor is approaching six years of sobriety, and she has had this condition since she was 20.
Health condition
What is a perforated septum?
In the video, Jackson shone her phone's flashlight on her nose to show viewers the hole in the cartilage between her nostrils. She explained that a perforated septum is different from a deviated septum and is usually caused by injuries or conditions that damage blood vessels in the nose. It basically refers to a hole in the nasal septum, the wall-like structure that separates the two sides of the nose. So, air coming in/going out gets split into two passages.
Surgery stance
Jackson has chosen not to undergo surgery to fix it
Despite the difficulties of recording music with a perforated septum, Jackson has chosen not to undergo surgery to fix it. She explained that this is because she doesn't want to take the drugs associated with such a procedure. "But I don't recommend it because it ruined my life," she added in the video about her past drug use. Although drug use can affect the condition, a perforated septum can stem from long-term use of nasal sprays, too.
Sobriety journey
Jackson has been open about her addiction struggles
Last month, while accepting the Shining Star Award at the Friendly House Awards Luncheon, Jackson opened up about her journey to sobriety. "I'm really grateful to be a part of a movement that aligns so much with my higher purpose," she said. In a 2020 episode of her Facebook Watch series Unfiltered: Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn, she also spoke about her mental health struggles during addiction, including self-harm and suicide attempts.