Nose cauterization is a common medical procedure used to address recurrent or persistent nosebleeds. This process involves sealing off small, fragile blood vessels inside the nose that are prone to bleeding. Proper care following this procedure is important for effective healing and to reduce the likelihood of further nosebleeds.
Right After the Procedure
Immediately after nose cauterization, keep your head elevated by sitting upright or using extra pillows. Applying a cold compress to the bridge of your nose can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid touching, rubbing, or picking your nose, as this can disrupt the cauterized area and lead to re-bleeding. Rest is recommended after the procedure. If any nasal packing was placed, follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding its care and removal.
Care During Healing
During the healing period, avoid activities that can increase pressure in your nasal passages. Refrain from blowing your nose forcefully for at least one to two weeks, and if you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to lessen the pressure on the nose. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending over, or straining during bowel movements should also be avoided for about one to two weeks, as these actions can dislodge the healing tissue.
Maintaining moisture within the nasal cavity is important for proper healing and to prevent dryness and crust formation. Your doctor may recommend using saline nasal sprays multiple times a day or gently applying petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment inside the nostril with a cotton swab. Avoiding irritants such as very hot showers or baths, hot liquids, spicy foods, alcohol, and smoky environments is also advised, especially during the first few days, as they can cause blood vessels to dilate and potentially trigger bleeding.
Acetaminophen is recommended for pain relief after the procedure. Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for at least 36 to 48 hours, and potentially longer, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. If you are already on prescribed blood thinners, discuss with your doctor when and how to resume them. When cleaning around the nostrils, do so gently, wiping away any discharge without disturbing the cauterized site.
What to Expect as You Recover
As your nose heals, you will likely notice the formation of a scab at the cauterization site. This scab may appear dark or grayish and is a normal part of healing. It is important to allow this scab to detach naturally, which typically occurs over several days to weeks. You might experience minor blood-tinged discharge or occasional spotting, particularly when the scab begins to fall off.
Some mild discomfort is common during recovery. This can include a sensation of dryness, mild soreness, or congestion in the nose. Some individuals report a mild burning or itching sensation, or even stinging in the upper teeth or lip, which subsides within a few days. Temporary changes in sensation, such as mild numbness, can also occur in the treated area.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While minor discomfort and some discharge are expected, certain signs warrant contacting your doctor. You should seek medical attention if you experience heavy or persistent bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or if the bleeding is heavier than a minor trickle. Bleeding that runs down the back of your throat, even with your head tilted forward, is also a cause for concern.
Signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or foul-smelling discharge from the nose, should be reported to your doctor immediately. Difficulty breathing due to severe blockage in the nasal passages also requires prompt medical evaluation. If you experience severe pain that is not managed with prescribed pain relief, or if other concerning symptoms arise, contacting your doctor for advice is recommended.