NASAL and SINUS SUGERY

Following nasal and sinus surgery, keeping your nasal passages clean and moist is essential for rapid healing and preventing complications. Typically, the patient must use a saline sinus rinse twice a day and saline nasal spray 4-6 times daily as well as placing a humidifier or vaporizer (warm humidification is better than cold) at the bedside to keep the air moist during sleep.

After surgery, it is normal to have minimal oozing of blood from the nose, and you can change a drip pad of guaze as needed. This typically will resolve within the first 24-48 hours. However, if you experience much heavier bleeding then you can first spray nasal decongestant spray (Afrin) in the nose and apply gentle pressure, but if it continues you will need to contact the physician for prompt evaluation.

Patients often have some facial pain and pressure following surgery, which typically dramatically improves within the first 48 hours after surgery.

Other care that is critical for healing include:

1. DO NOT blow your nose! This can lead to significant bleeding.
2. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth (this will take the pressure off of your nose and decrease the risk of bleeding).
3. No heavy lifting (greater than 25 lbs) for 10 days.
4. Steam your nose twice daily to help loosen crusts that may be present.
5. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages to keep mucous thin.
6. Sleep with your head of bed slightly elevated for the first week.
7. Call our office for any questions or problems.

Robert Wilson, MD.