Deviated Septum Post Surgery – The Do and Don’t’s

The nasal septum deviation is the most common problem that is formed due to the dislocation of the nasal septum.When the thin line that separates the nostrils show two unequal halves then it is called deviated septum. A deviated septum disrupts proper breathing, gives way to sinusitis and has also leads to many other problems.

Septoplasty is the surgery done to rectify a deviated septum. A deviated septum gives arise to problems such as nasal congestion, repeated sinus infections, nose bleeding, blockage of the nostrils, snoring during sleep, severe headache, facial pain, and postnasal drip.

Septoplasty is the answer to the problems where the deviated septum is modified surgically. The entire process is completed through the nostrils and the patient has no bruise or wound externally. This septoplasty is combined with rhinoplasty or with sinus surgery. The surgery just requires one and half hour of time and finishes in the outpatient ward itself. The surgery is carried out with the help of local or general anesthesia depending on the severity of the deviation.

The patient experiences pain and swelling after septoplasty like any other surgery. The doctor prescribes painkillers post surgery to subside the pain. The risks and complications that go during and after the septoplasty surgery are:

Reaction to anesthesia may cause difficulty in breathing scarring the nose.

There can be excessive bleeding after the surgery.

There are chances of postoperative surgery infections.

There may be a change in the sensation after the surgery.

It is always best to take proper care after the surgery so that the patient can take two to four days off, take rest, and avoid strain. The patient should avoid lifting heavy objects doing exhausting workouts. Air travel can irritate the newly operated deviated septum due to the difference in the air pressure; so it is better to avert it. The patient should have a balance diet with plenty of raw fruits and add more fluids intake.

The patient needs to take the prescribed antibiotics on time along with antacids to keep away side effects. One should keep away from alcohol along with painkillers and should be best avoided for a minimum of three weeks. Smoking is also a taboo as it creates complications and makes healing slower. However, on can continue to have vitamins and iron tablets safely.

The head should be kept in a raised position with the support of a pillow while lying down. Walking from the first day after surgery helps in reducing swelling and the formation of blood clots. Never drive until you use painkillers. Do not blow the nose for at least one week but the trickle can be wiped off softly with a tissue.

The patient will experience mild pain in the nose and headaches. The nose may bleed for two days. Some amount of uneasiness persists for two weeks and the patient can breathe properly only by two months of time. Consult the doctor immediately in case of any unusual symptoms during the healing period.

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