After septoplasty, dried blood and crusting inside the nose are common. This is a normal part of the body’s healing response and can be managed safely with gentle care. Septoplasty involves reshaping the wall between nasal passages, and some bleeding is expected as tissues mend, leading to crust formation.
Gentle Removal Techniques
Saline nasal rinses are a primary method for managing dried blood and crusting. They moisturize the nasal lining and loosen debris, making it easier to clear. Use a gentle squeeze bottle or mist spray multiple times daily, as directed by your surgeon. Consistent application prevents excessive dryness, which contributes to crust formation and discomfort.
Humidification can further assist healing. A cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, softening dried blood and crusts within nasal passages. This promotes easier removal and provides relief from dryness.
A warm compress can also be applied to the outside of the nose. Gently holding a warm, damp cloth against the nasal area helps soften external crusts, making them simpler to wipe away.
In some cases, your surgeon might approve gentle use of a soft, cotton-tipped swab moistened with saline or hydrogen peroxide for shallow areas. Use extreme gentleness and avoid inserting the swab too deeply to prevent re-bleeding or damage to delicate tissues. Always consult your surgeon for specific guidance, as aggressive cleaning can disrupt healing.
Actions to Avoid
Avoid actions that disrupt healing after septoplasty. Picking or forcefully blowing your nose can dislodge healing tissues, leading to re-bleeding or infection. Refrain from blowing your nose for at least one to two weeks post-surgery. If you sneeze, do so with your mouth open to minimize nasal pressure.
Avoid inserting objects, such as fingers or cotton swabs, into the nose. This can cause trauma to the delicate surgical site, potentially leading to bleeding or infection. Only use tools and methods recommended by your healthcare provider.
Over-the-counter decongestant sprays, like oxymetazoline, should generally be avoided unless explicitly approved by your surgeon for limited use. Prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion, worsening dryness, or other adverse effects that hinder healing.
Limit or avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, bending over, or vigorous exercise, for several weeks after surgery. These activities increase blood pressure in the head, raising the risk of re-bleeding. Your surgeon will provide guidelines on when to safely resume such activities.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some dried blood and discomfort are expected after septoplasty, certain signs require medical attention. Heavy or persistent bleeding that soaks through dressings quickly or does not stop with gentle pressure warrants a call to your surgeon.
Increasing pain or swelling beyond expected post-operative discomfort also warrants contacting your doctor. A sudden increase or worsening of these symptoms could signal a complication.
Fever (above 101.5°F or 38°C) or chills can be a sign of infection. Report any foul-smelling or discolored nasal discharge to your surgeon, as this may indicate infection.
If you experience significantly worsening difficulty breathing through your nose, contact your healthcare provider. This could suggest excessive swelling or other issues impeding airflow. Contact your doctor with any concerns about your recovery.