Septoplasty corrects a deviated nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nasal cavity. The goal is to straighten the septum and improve airflow, alleviating symptoms like difficulty breathing or chronic congestion. Immediately following surgery, the objective is to protect the surgical site and prevent bleeding. This involves avoiding any action that increases pressure within the delicate nasal tissues.
The Risk of Suction and Negative Pressure
Using a straw is strongly discouraged immediately following septoplasty because the act of suction creates negative pressure within the mouth. This pressure change does not remain isolated to the oral cavity but can transmit into the throat, eustachian tubes, and the nasal passage. Such an abrupt pressure fluctuation poses a risk to the freshly closed incisions and the fragile, healing mucosal lining inside the nose.
The sudden pressure differential can potentially dislodge forming blood clots or disrupt the delicate stitches. This disruption may trigger secondary bleeding or increase swelling in the nasal septum, which prolongs recovery and worsens congestion. Instead of using a straw, sip liquids directly from a cup or glass to avoid creating internal suction forces. Small sips from a spoon can also be a controlled way to take in fluids without inducing pressure changes.
Other Pressure-Inducing Activities to Avoid
The restriction on straw use is part of a broader precaution against activities that increase pressure on healing nasal tissues. For one to two weeks, patients must refrain from blowing their nose, even if congested. Instead, gently dab the nose with a tissue to manage drainage, or use saline rinses as advised by the surgeon.
A sudden, forceful sneeze or cough transmits a significant surge of pressure into the nasal cavity. To mitigate this risk, always sneeze or cough with the mouth wide open, allowing air pressure to escape through the oral cavity instead of the nose.
Other pressure-increasing actions to avoid include heavy lifting or strenuous activity that causes straining, as these increase blood pressure. Patients should also avoid bending over or lowering their head below the level of the heart, which can cause blood to rush to the surgical site.
When Can Normal Eating and Drinking Resume?
Avoiding pressure-inducing activities, including straw use, generally lasts for the first seven to ten days following the procedure. This timeline aligns with the initial phase of healing and the typical schedule for the removal of internal nasal splints or packing, if they were used.
Once the splints are removed and the surgeon confirms that healing is progressing well, many restrictions begin to ease. Most patients can expect to gradually return to normal eating and drinking habits after the first week, though strenuous exercise may take longer. Recovery timelines are approximate and depend heavily on the individual’s rate of healing and the specific details of the surgery.