Sinus Surgery Postoperative Instructions

1. ***Do not use any aspirin or aspirin products, No Advil, No Aleve, No Ibuprofen, No Motrin or Motrin type products for two weeks before or two weeks after surgery.***
   
   
2. ***Do not use any herbal medicines/diet pills for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.***
   
   
3. After discharge, strenuous activity is to be avoided. This especially includes bending, lifting, working or full activity until two weeks after surgery.
   
   
4. For the first week following surgery, do not blow the nose, but rather sniff secretions into the throat and spit. Avoid smoke and other substances, which might irritate the nose. Do not use aspirin.
   
   
5. Use the medications you were given at the time of discharge as directed. These may include an antibiotic to combat infection at the postoperative site and a decongestant to dry nasal secretions. You will also be given a pain reliever.
   
   
6. Oozing, both from the nostrils, as well as, down the back of the throat is to be expected for the first day or two. You may have to change your nasal drip pad as often as every 15 minuets or so on the evening of surgery. Oozing will almost always slow down over time. Rest in bed with your head elevated on two pillows and try ice on the nose and cheeks. If the bleeding is especially heavy, call our office.
   
   
7. If surgery was performed to alter the outside shape of your nose and you wear glasses, please ask the nurse in our office to show you how to tape them up in order to take the pressure off your nose.
   
   
8. Keep head elevated. Sleep on an extra pillow.
   
   
9. Change drip pad under nose as needed.
   
   
10. Lightly apply ice to the nose as desired, but do not get the dressing (if present) wet.
    
    
11. Do not use aspirin--only Tylenol.
    
    
12. If a portion of your nasal packing comes out, simply and gently replace it back into the nose, or cut the portion of the nasal packing that is dangling, and this normally easily fixes the problem. If you sneeze--sneeze with the mouth open. Do not close mouth and sneeze.
    
    
13. Avoid hot and spicy foods. Hot and spicy foods are known to increase nasal blood flow and nasal oozing.
    
    
14. If nasal packing is placed at surgery, take your pain medicine 1/2 hour prior to your "removal" appointment time at our office.
    
    
15. If your nose seems dry or sore, you can place a small amount of Vaseline in each nostril and sniff. This will coat the lining of the nose and help with the dryness. You can do this in the morning or at night.
    
    
16. After your packing is removed, begin using nasal irrigations.
    
    

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR NASAL SALINE IRRIGATIONS

2 tsp. sea salt/pickling salt
(can be obtained from grocery store)

1/2 Tsp. baking soda

1 quart water

Boil water and add salt and soda. Allow to cool to room temperature. Divide into three (3) equal portions and use to irrigate. To be used (3) times a day. Mix a new batch each day.

Use a rubber bulb syringe to irrigate. You will be able to find a bulb syringe at most any pharmacy.

When irrigating, lean forward over sink, and use enough force to cleanse the nose and sinuses. We rely on the mechanical action of the water to remove blood clots, crusting and debris to help in the healing process. You should aim toward the back of your head, as well as the top of the back of your head when irrigating your nose. You should irrigate for at least three weeks postoperatively, although some people find that irrigating on a regular basis indefinitely is very helpful in preventing sinus infections.