Nosepost.doc

5520 Independence Parkway, Suite 202, Frisco, Texas 75035 Septoplasty, Turbinate Reduction, Nasal Fracture Post-op Instructions After septoplasty it is normal to experience mild bleeding and oozing from thenose for the first 12-24 hours after surgery. You can remove the drip pad placedbelow your nostrils once the oozing has stopped. Keeping your head elevated atnight or while sleeping will help to reduce this oozing. You should also avoid hotliquids and foods as they tend to dilate the blood vessels in your nose andincrease oozing. Call your surgeon if your oozing requires more than 10 pads in24 hours or if you experience brisk bleeding at any time. During the week afteryour septoplasty you will need to keep your nasal passages clean. You will havesplints on either side of the middle wall (septum) of your nose. These splintshave a small tube or opening that, if kept clean, will allow for easier breathingduring the week after your surgery. Frequently use an ocean nasal spray bottle(or equivalent saline mist) to clear the nasal passages. Many patients find thatusing ocean nasal spray as often as once per hour is quite effective. Pleasegently clean your nostrils daily with half-strength peroxide (mixed with water)applied with a q-tip. After cleaning your nostrils, apply an antibiotic ointment,such as bacitracin, triple antibiotic, Bactroban (mupirocin), or neomycin ointmentinside each nostril. Please schedule a follow-up visit in 7 to 10 days as directedby your surgeon. During this visit, your surgeon will remove your nasal splintsand clean the nasal cavities of any remaining debris. This can be mildlyuncomfortable and it is a good idea to take either Tylenol or your prescribed painmedication just prior to this visit. Make sure that you have had something to eatprior to your appointment and please have a companion available to drive youhome after your appointment. Continue to use nasal saline, either ocean spray ora saline irrigation, for several weeks after surgery until the normal mucusproduction of your nose returns. It is often helpful to place a small amount ofbland ointment (Vaseline or Aquaphor) into each nostril during this period as well.
If you were using a topical nasal steroid spray (Flonase, Veramyst, Rhinocort orNasonex) prior to surgery, you can generally restart your spray after your nasalsplints have been removed. Be sure to use your nasal steroid spray after usingany nasal saline so that it is not washed out of the nose and be careful not toinsert the tip of the spray bottle deeply into the nose.
The days following surgery:• Avoid bending, stooping, straining, heavy lifting or physical exertion for 10 days or untilyour doctor permits you to do so. An elevation in blood pressure can trigger anosebleed. As you increase mobility, you may see a return or increase of pain.
• Avoid my excessive fatigue or unnecessary exposure, which may cause you to catch acold. If this should happen, notify your doctor with any ear symptoms.
• DO NOT blow your nose for one week. Begin nasal saline washes with Ocean Spray orAyr nasal spray the day after surgery (Four or more times per day - You cannot use toomuch). After 48 hours, you may begin to blow your nose gently. Washing with the salinefirst will help clean the nasal cavity.
• Sneeze with your mouth open. Do not try to suppress the sneeze in any way as thisputs pressure on your sinuses.
• There are no bathing restrictions. Avoid swimming until your doctor permits you to doso.
• Foods: Normal diet may be resumed if no nausea and/or vomiting has occurred.
Gradually work up from clear liquids and crackers to foods that are tolerated. Rememberto drink plenty of fluids if you have no restrictions to do so. Water is best!• Call your doctorʼs office for a follow-up appointment. You should be seen one weekafter your surgery.
Answers to frequently asked questions.
• If you develop excessive nausea/vomiting or lightheadedness call your doctorimmediately-• Swelling inside the nose is expected and may completely block the nose. This may lastup to 10 days. Blood-tinged mucous may drain from the nose and down throat.
• Breathing complications with children after general anesthesia occur rarely. Thesymptoms are croupy sounds when breathing in, noisy gasping sounds or abdominaltension with breathing.
• If you were given steroids during surgery or prescribed steroids after surgery, you mayexperience an elevation in anxiety or sleep disturbances. Less common symptoms arehallucinations.
• If you were given narcotics/pain medication during surgery or prescribed narcotics aftersurgery, watch for urinary retention. This is especially common in males over 50 ormales with a history of prostate problems. Contact your physician if you are unable tourinate within hours of your surgery.
• With all patients, common symptoms with narcotics/pain medications are itchingwithout rash and nausea. If rash or vomiting develop after taking a medication pleasecontact your physician Medications:• If your doctor ordered medication, take as directed. If you have questions regardingyour medication, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Tylenol is usually adequate for children.
• Do not take Aspirin products.
• Motrin may be taken for breakthrough pain if absolutely necessary, but can tend to thinthe blood so do not use in cases of excessive bleeding.
• Do not drive or operate any machinery or drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours orwhile taking narcotics.
• If you experience excessive nasal bleeding, use 2-4 sprays of Afrin in each side of thenose and hold pressure on the soft part of the nose for 10 to 20 minutes.

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