Aftercare

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
• when (and if) you need to have your stitches out.

Managing bleeding

Some bleeding and discharge is normal in the first few weeks after nasal surgery. If bleeding persists, sit up, tilt your head forwards slightly, pinch your nostrils closed and breathe through your mouth, spitting out any blood if you need to. Avoid blowing your nose. If the bleeding 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. You should also for avoid straining (including on the toilet) and lifting for the first 7–14 days after your surgery.

Managing nasal congestion

Your nose will feel blocked until the swelling goes down, which may take at least 2 weeks. Sleeping and resting with your head elevated on 2 pillows can relieve congestion.

Keeping your sinuses 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. Paracetamol is okay for pain relief, but avoid taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac because they can increase the risk of nosebleeds.

Fatigue

Most people feel tired after sinus surgery and this can last for a week or two.

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 work.

Follow-up

It’s important that you follow up with your surgeon after the surgery. Your surgeon will probably want to see you to have your nose and sinuses cleared of blood and fluid. There may be packs, spacers or splints in the nose that need to be removed. This can be uncomfortable, so be sure to 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.

Watching out for problems

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.