Before leaving hospital make sure you’re clear about:
- how to care for your nose
- your level of activity
- driving (don’t forget to check if your car insurance company has any restrictions following an operation)
- symptoms for which you should seek further medical attention
- any changes to your regular medication
- what kind of exercise you can do
- how to manage pain.
Managing bleeding
Some bleeding and discharge is normal in the first month after nasal surgery. If bleeding persists, sit up, tilt your head forwards slightly and breathe through your mouth, spitting out any blood if you need to. Avoid blowing your nose. A nasal decongestant may help to stop the bleeding. If it doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, contact your doctor or go to your hospital’s emergency department.
To avoid nosebleeds after surgery, don’t smoke or have hot drinks and avoid spicy food and alcohol for the first 2 days.
Managing nasal congestion
Your nose will feel blocked until the swelling goes down, which can take at least 2 weeks. Sleeping and resting with your head elevated on 2 pillows can relieve congestion.
Keeping your nose clear
Your surgeon may ask you to use a sinus rinse or saline nasal spray. Your surgeon or a nurse will show you how to do this. Sinus irrigation can help clear any debris left in your nose and make it feel much better.
Restrictions on activities
You should avoid blowing your nose while you’re healing. Check with your surgeon before swimming or flying. Your surgeon may also ask you to avoid heavy lifting or playing sport.
Managing pain
You may have a feeling of pressure in your nose and some pain for several days. If you have pain, take the painkillers your surgeon or anaesthetist has prescribed.
Fatigue
Most people feel tired after sinus surgery and this can last for 1–2 weeks.
Avoiding infections
Until the inside of your nose has healed you’re more at risk of infection, so it’s sensible to stay away from people with colds or chest infections.
Avoiding smoke and dust
Smoke and dust can irritate your nose and may increase your risk of infection.
Returning to work
Follow your surgeon’s advice about how much time to take off work. Most people need at least 1 week off.
Follow-up
It’s important that you follow up with your surgeon after the surgery. They’ll probably want to see you to have your nose and sinuses cleared of blood and debris. This can be uncomfortable so take some painkillers before your visit.
Time to full recovery
Although you may be able to return to work in 1–2 weeks, full recovery from sinus surgery may take 6 weeks or more.
Preventing recurrence of polyps
After your nose has healed, using a nasal steroid spray can help prevent polyps from recurring.
Watching out for problems
You should call your surgeon if you experience:
- fever
- clear watery discharge from your nose that persists for more than 1 week
- severe headache or a stiff neck
- swelling around your eye or changes in vision
- a nosebleed that doesn’t stop after 15 minutes.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.