He says itвЂ™s not often the drug itself that causes problems when snorted: itвЂ™s extra stuff added to the drugs that do the real nasal harm.

Throughout his career, Lebowitz has seen patients who have snorted illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin or prescription medication like Oxycodone or Ritalin. The damaging potential side effects donвЂ™t stop some people from snorting all kinds of powders.

вЂњItвЂ™s a liquid, so the nose doesnвЂ™t see it as a foreign body and absorbs it better.вЂќ Nasal sprays and other inhalation solutions-which are regulated by the FDA-are not as risky to the nose because they contain liquid, which is gentler on the naturally moist nose, Lebowitz says. Some drugs can safely delivered through the the nasal passages. This occurs because powders are particle materials and can often have additional materials mixed in them that cause further deterioration, Lebowitz says. Snorting powder of any kind can lead to inflammation of the nasal lining, infection in the lungs and blockages of respiratory tracts and nasal airways. вЂњThey arenвЂ™t broken down by the stomach, so itвЂ™s a great way to get into the system.вЂќД«ut the human nose is not designed to snort powder. вЂњThings are very well absorbed through the nose,вЂќ Lebowitz says. Snorting appeals to some people because taking medicine through the nose is a fast way to deliver drugs-legal and otherwise-into the bloodstream. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.

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Is it safe to snort x