Although you may not be completely cured, with the proper follow-up care, you should experience a great reduction in symptoms. If you have a serious sinus infection, make an appointment with an otolaryngology specialist at Keck Medicine of USC. Previous Next. View Larger Image. Follow Us. Related Posts. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email. Some congestion and bleeding will be expected to occur following discharge from hospital as your body recovers.
These symptoms should resolve over the next 2 weeks. Although septoplasty is a very low-risk procedure, people should be aware of the potential complications and approach their doctor with any concerns. Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding is common with nasal surgery, and people generally tolerate it well.
In rare cases, however, excessive bleeding might occur. In these situations, the surgeon may have to stop the procedure to prevent putting the individual at further risk. Very rarely, a packed red blood cell transfusion will be necessary, but a doctor will only give this in an emergency. Infection : Because the nose is not a sterile environment, an infection might occur after a septoplasty. Toxic shock syndrome: This is a very rare and life-threatening infection that requires immediate treatment.
After surgery, people and their families should look out for changes in blood pressure or heart rate, fever , discoloration, or any other unusual symptoms.
Tooth and nose numbness: Some of the nerves that lead to the gums, front teeth, and upper jaw go through the nose. Septoplasty increases the risk of injury to these nerves and ongoing numbness.
The numbness usually resolves after a few months. Septal perforation: A small hole can sometimes develop in the nasal septum during or after the surgery, especially in the case of postoperative infection. If the perforation leads to bleeding or other similar complications, a person might require further surgery.
Spinal fluid leak: Though it is extremely rare, a septoplasty could injure the brain and create a leak of the fluid that nourishes the brain and spinal cord, creating a further risk for infection.
Continuing symptoms: Although a large majority of people report a significant improvement in their nasal obstruction symptoms, a small risk remains that surgery may not help symptoms. Other: On rare occasions, people might experience a change in their sense of taste or smell, persistent facial pain, vocal changes, visual defects, or swelling and bruising around the eye. The nasal septum is a structure that supports the nose and separates the right and left airways, dividing the two nostrils.
The mucosa protects and covers the septum. It also helps retain moisture inside the nose. The septum might naturally bend a small way in one direction throughout childhood.
The nasal turbinates are long, curly, and narrow bone structures that extend into the breathing passageway of the nostrils. In each nostril, they create four air passages in the nasal airway and occur on the lateral walls of the nostrils. The mucosal tissue in the nose mostly covers the turbinates. When a person inhales air through the nose, the largest turbinates are mostly responsible for filtering, heating, and humidifying the air.
The mucosal lining the turbinates also traps and filters airborne particles. That may include a long course of antibiotics , sinus irrigations, and steroid medications. The next step, if there is no relief, is to get a CT scan. Says Dr. The most common surgical procedure for patients with chronic sinusitis is endoscopic sinus surgery, Zacharek says. The biggest pro for sinus surgery is that it usually works.
Some sinus surgeries use a small balloon to enlarge the sinuses during the procedure. Depending on the shape of your sinuses, your doctor may also suggest repairing the direction of your septum during the surgery. This can help you breathe more easily after you heal. You should typically avoid over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin for a week before your sinus surgery. To be safe, ask the surgeon how long they want you off of your medications.
Begin to irrigate the sinus passages with a saline spray, as well. You should also arrange for a ride to and from your procedure. You will not be able to drive home. The serious complications of sinus surgery are rare. You may experience severe bleeding after the surgery. If you bleed too much, you may need a blood transfusion. Some people have vision problems or a decreased sense of smell.
Any surgery of the ethmoid sinus carries a risk of creating a leak in the fluid that surrounds your brain. This would require further surgery to fix. You should also be careful of your activity levels in the three weeks afterward.
That said, you should plan to have someone to drive you home from the procedure. After a sinus surgery, follow-up care is essential to make sure your sinuses heal correctly.
It could take up to five days for you to feel up for your regular physical activity. You should avoid activities that elevate your blood pressure, such as weight lifting and running, until you get clearance from your doctor. During the recovery process, you take special pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor.
You may also be prescribed corticosteroids.
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