Sinus Surgery (Patient Instructions) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - When should I notify the doctor of any postsurgery
complications? on MedicineNet
Dr. Shah obtained his BA/MD from Boston University and completed his Otolaryngology residency at Tufts University followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children's Hospital Boston at Harvard University. After fellowship, he joined the faculty of Children's National Medical Center in 2006. Dr. Shah is an active clinical researcher and has received numerous awards for his research.
Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.
When should I notify the doctor (surgeon) of
any postsurgery complications?
A sudden increase in the amount of bleeding from the nose unrelieved by
pressure, ice, and head elevation.
A fever greater than 101.5 F (38.6 C) that persists despite increasing the
amount of fluid intake and acetaminophen (Tylenol) use.
Persistent sharp pain or headache which is not relieved by the prescribed
pain medication.
Increased swelling or redness of the nose or eyes.
Drainage of a thin, clear fluid in large quantities from usually only one
side of the nose. This would be different from the clear, thicker mucus drainage
normally produced by the nose.
Self-care and prevention following sinus
surgery
It is important for all patients with chronic sinus disease to understand
that they have a chronic illness. Successful sinus surgery will only help
control the complications and discomfort of chronic sinus disease. The following
three areas of prevention should always be remembered:
Maximize Moisture. Patients should always remember to maximize moisture in
their nose. Keeping sinuses moist makes mucus thinner, allowing the sinuses to
drain better. This drainage in turn helps prevent infection. Use a humidifier,
drink plenty of water, avoid drying substances such as alcohol and caffeine, try
to avoid smoke which dries out sinus linings, and use plenty of saline
irrigation.
Avoid Allergy Particles (Allergens). People may want to wear a mask when
they clean or are exposed to dust. Sit in the non-smoking sections of
restaurants. Avoid exposure to pollens during peak season, and keep an
air-conditioner on during allergy season.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
Sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities. The primary symptom of a sinus infection is pain and increasing pressure overlying the area and associated tenderness to the touch. Treatment of a sinus headache depends on the cause.
A deviate septum is a condition in which the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity of the nose in half (nasal septum) is significantly off center or crooked. The causes of a deviated septum can be congenital, or develop after a trauma or injury to the nose. Symptoms of a deviated septum include nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, nosebleeds, headache, facial pain, postnasal drip, snoring, and loud breathing. A deviated septum can be relieved with medications, and if necessary surgery, called a septoplasty.
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