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Can One Drink Alcohol Post A Sinus Surgery?
Question: I had sinus surgery on 3/11 and ent did everything all in one go e.g deviation, polyp removal all areas and I believe he widened the nose area. I was born with this problem.Healing been ok. I passed a lot of mucus/blood things and feel all clear now and no swelling on outside. However, at times I feel too much air is coming in and it burns my inside of nose and all the way in my throat. Also feel it sore then in top sinusses. I do use Fess twice a day and it does not always feel like that. My ent been on holidays and had no follow up appointment. Just hoping it still is the swelling on inside of sinusses not that empty nose issue? I have only passed air through my nose carefully to let excess mucus out since 3 weeks but no blowing at all and no bleedy ever occured. Also sense of smell returned after years no smelling but sneeze a lot(with open mouth). Also can I drink hot drinks again?
Brief Answer:
Recovery does take time after FESS.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. After such extensive endoscopic nasal surgery, the nose is usually blocked with crusts, debris and thick secretions.
2. There is bound to be some oedema inside the nose and sinuses, but this usually settles down in 2-4 weeks.
3. Complete healing takes 4-6 months. Its too early to think about empty nose syndrome. Do not hesitate to get a post-op CT Scan done if your symptoms worsen or persist beyond a 4-6 weeks.
4. The burning sensation may be due to increased airflow that you are not used to or dryness (drug induced or otherwise). The principle of FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is to increase the ventilation of the nose and sinuses, thereby promoting the self healing of the nasal and sinus mucosa (lining). Nasal polyps are also associated with underlying nasal allergy, drug sensitivity and respiratory allergy. These have to be medically managed with long term medication even after successful surgery to prevent recurrence.
5. It is safe to have hot liquids now. For the sneezing, anti-allergic medication and saline nasal washes will help, which most patients start a few days after surgery.
6. A follow up visit is recommended, perhaps by a locum doctor at the same clinic/ hospital.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Recovery does take time after FESS.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. After such extensive endoscopic nasal surgery, the nose is usually blocked with crusts, debris and thick secretions.
2. There is bound to be some oedema inside the nose and sinuses, but this usually settles down in 2-4 weeks.
3. Complete healing takes 4-6 months. Its too early to think about empty nose syndrome. Do not hesitate to get a post-op CT Scan done if your symptoms worsen or persist beyond a 4-6 weeks.
4. The burning sensation may be due to increased airflow that you are not used to or dryness (drug induced or otherwise). The principle of FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is to increase the ventilation of the nose and sinuses, thereby promoting the self healing of the nasal and sinus mucosa (lining). Nasal polyps are also associated with underlying nasal allergy, drug sensitivity and respiratory allergy. These have to be medically managed with long term medication even after successful surgery to prevent recurrence.
5. It is safe to have hot liquids now. For the sneezing, anti-allergic medication and saline nasal washes will help, which most patients start a few days after surgery.
6. A follow up visit is recommended, perhaps by a locum doctor at the same clinic/ hospital.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have not yet started allergy meds as I do not feel itchy eyes. I only seem to sneeze with smells but I used to take telfast if it got bad. I am worried that it may dry out my nose more? Also can I sleep on my side again? I have been sleeping on my back. Been also avoiding spicy foods or soda drinks. Can I go back to normal again? I irrigate with saline 2-3 times a day. Also my packing was dissolvable...forgot to mention. My next appointment is on 22 dec and local hospital did not wanted to send me to alternative ent either unless urgent(bleeding) hence I am here for your advice.
Brief Answer:
You should resume the allergy medication for some time.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. You should start the allergy medication for some time and then taper off. The dryness can be decreased with mucolytics, steam inhalation and nasal washes. Try hypertonic nasal saline.
2. You can sleep on your side.
3. You can reintroduce your regular diet keeping in mind that surgery does not alter the allergies.
4. Dissolving nasal packs are known to persist and cause granulation tissue reactions at times. Hence the follow up check nasal endoscopy is strongly advised whenever possible.
5. Along with these medications, take an anti-inflammatory medication and multi-vitamins.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
You should resume the allergy medication for some time.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. You should start the allergy medication for some time and then taper off. The dryness can be decreased with mucolytics, steam inhalation and nasal washes. Try hypertonic nasal saline.
2. You can sleep on your side.
3. You can reintroduce your regular diet keeping in mind that surgery does not alter the allergies.
4. Dissolving nasal packs are known to persist and cause granulation tissue reactions at times. Hence the follow up check nasal endoscopy is strongly advised whenever possible.
5. Along with these medications, take an anti-inflammatory medication and multi-vitamins.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for great and well explained anwers. My surgeon was a great man and he did a great job but timing on consults was a bit out. I never had a surgery before so was a bit unsure. Made me feel lots better to talk to you. I will take allergy meds...spray bottle ok? Telfast makes me sleepy. And I will buy other saline and I will steam with bowl of water. In another 2 weeks I see my ent and see if symptoms have improved. Hopefully all ok then again thank you for putting me at ease.
Brief Answer:
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, please continue the medications.
2. Telfast contains fexofenadine which is a non-sedating anti-histamine. You can request a change in prescription to an other non-sedating medication such as loratadine.
3. Try an electric steam vaporiser instead of using a bowl.
4. FESS, in general has fairly good results.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Regards.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, please continue the medications.
2. Telfast contains fexofenadine which is a non-sedating anti-histamine. You can request a change in prescription to an other non-sedating medication such as loratadine.
3. Try an electric steam vaporiser instead of using a bowl.
4. FESS, in general has fairly good results.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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