How to Recover From Sinus Surgery

People who have chronic sinus infections and allergies may not heal well enough with just a course of antibiotics or allergy medications. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the sinus tissue that is constantly becoming infected. Sinus surgery is a delicate procedure. Recovery from such an operation must be attended to exactly as directed by your doctor to promote healing and to prevent complications.

Things You'll Need

• Pillows Ice packs Antibiotics Painkillers Stool softener Medical gauze Saline spray Water pick irrigator Cotton swabs Petroleum jelly

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare to spend the first week after sinus surgery at home resting. Prop your head on two to three bed pillows to help reduce the swelling. Use ice packs on your face, especially around your eyes and nose, to reduce inflammation. Limit your movement as much as you can during this time.

• 2

  Take the medications your doctor has prescribed for you as directed. You will most likely take an antibiotic to prevent infection as well as a medication to manage your pain. Avoid using aspirin or ibuprofen for at least three weeks after your sinus surgery, as these medications may hinder your healing.

• 3

  Change your gauze dressing if it becomes saturated with blood, but otherwise leave it as is. Nasal bleeding is a normal part of the recovery process. Your nose will be packed with dressings, which will absorb most of the discharge. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as to how you should change the gauze.

• 4

  Eat light meals when your appetite has returned. Wait a few days post-surgery before drinking hot beverages that may cause you more pain.

• 5

  Schedule a post-operative appointment with your doctor so that he or she can asses your healing and remove the packing from your nose. The time frame for this appointment will vary depending on your surgeon's policies.

• 6

  Keep your nose moist to allow for a quicker recovery. A non-medication saline nasal spray moistens dry membranes. You can also dab petroleum jelly on the insides of your nostrils with a cotton swab to soften any scabs or crusty areas. Your doctor may also instruct you to irrigate your sinuses with a water pick.

• 7

  Avoid blowing your nose for at least a week to 10 days after the packing has been removed. You may still have some drainage during this stage of recovery. If you experience heavy bleeding, call your doctor.

• 8

  Return to normal activities under the direction of your doctor, including going to work or school. Heavy lifting or straining can prolong recovery time, so limit these activities as much as possible.