Rehabilitation after surgery on the nasal septum

Displacement of the nasal septum is a pathological condition in which the supply of oxygen to the human body is disrupted. It is possible to eliminate such an ailment with the help of surgical intervention, and this procedure is called septoplasty. The operation is considered quite complicated, and it is carried out only if there are certain medical indications. Many patients who decide to undergo septoplasty are interested in how long the recovery after nasal septum surgery takes , and what complications may arise.

Indications for surgery and methods of its implementation

Surgery on the nasal septum to only in situations where it disrupts the normal life of a person and provokes the development of various complications. Specialists identify the following indications for septoplasty:

• persistent nasal congestion, which is in no way associated with an allergic reaction or a cold;
• complications from the middle ear;
• inflammation of the paranasal sinuses of a chronic nature, when the curvature disrupts the normal outflow of air from the sinus.
• if there is a serious misalignment, it is recommended to have surgery to straighten the nasal septum at a young age and not wait for problems to develop.

In some patients, a pronounced displacement is detected, but the second half of the nose breathes quite normally. People with this pathology adapt to this condition and do not complain about breathing problems. With age, the compensatory capabilities of tissues decrease, and patients begin to complain about their condition. However, the doctor is unlikely to take responsibility for performing septoplasty in the elderly, even if there are a number of indications. It is for this reason that it is worth doing the operation with a pronounced displacement and the absence of complaints, only a specialist decides.

There are the following contraindications for septoplasty:

• acute diseases and exacerbations of chronic pathologies;
• menstrual bleeding in women;
• problems with blood clotting;
• psychological illnesses and various deviations;
• severe pathologies of internal organs in the stage of decompensation.

Septoplasty is performed in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology using local or general anesthesia. In order for the recovery after the operation to go smoothly and without the development of complications, it is necessary to follow all the doctor's recommendations and take certain measures.

The duration of the rehabilitation period after the correction of the septum

On the first day after surgery on the nasal septum, there are difficulties with breathing in the usual way. The patient has to inhale air through the mouth and this will take some getting used to. Within 1-3 days, tampons are removed from the operated nose, and it is possible to normalize the usual respiratory activity. The procedure for removing tampons is considered quite unpleasant, as they can dry out on the mucous membrane and become a source of pain. In order to avoid such discomfort, it is necessary to pre-soak the tampons with hydrogen peroxide on both sides.

10 days after the operation to correct the nasal septum, the patient is usually prescribed the use of nasal drops from the formation of crusts. In fact, dripping such medicines is mandatory, since such a procedure is considered one of the important stages of the recovery period. Such drops help moisturize the nasal mucosa and eliminate crusts. Often, at such a recovery stage, a Nasonex spray is prescribed, thanks to which it is possible to reduce tissue swelling and restore breathing. It is possible to accelerate the healing of the nasal mucosa with the help of saline or oily liquid, which must be instilled into the organ.

Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the nasal septum usually lasts 2-3 weeks, and after it is over, a person can return to normal life. The duration of the rehabilitation period after surgery to correct the nasal septum is determined by the characteristics of the patient's tissues, but on average it lasts about a month. The final evaluation of the result is carried out a few months after surgery.

Breathing problems after surgery

Septoplasty, like any other operation, is a complex operation, and various complications can develop after it. Patients who decide to take such a step should be aware of the negative consequences that can be observed after surgery.

In the rehabilitation period after nasal septum surgery, breathing problems are a common complication. This natural process is usually prevented by cotton swabs in the nasal cavity, swelling of the mucosa, crusts formed and postoperative dressing. With the help of a bandage, it is possible to tightly fix the cartilage and bones, which helps to prevent their displacement. It causes discomfort to the patient only on the first day after surgery, and after a while the person simply does not feel it.

Edema of the nasal mucosa persists for 5-7 days, after which it begins to decrease and disappears completely after 3 weeks. In order to quickly remove puffiness during the recovery period after septoplasty, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

• observe bed rest;
• take medications whose action is aimed at strengthening the vascular walls;
• take antihistamines;
• apply a compression bandage with ice;
• carry out physiotherapy procedures;
• humidify the air in the living room;
• apply nasal sprays.

After surgery on a deviated nasal septum, pain in the teeth and nose, as well as numbness in this area, may occur. The development of such a pathological condition is due to the fact that nerve endings from the gums and jaw pass through the nasal cavity. During surgery, they can be stretched or damaged, and subsequently, for several months, a person is tormented by uncomfortable sensations.

Often after surgery for the curvature of the nasal septum, a sore throat occurs and this happens due to minor damage to the mucosa. After a few weeks, such an unpleasant symptom disappears and no longer bothers the patient. Characteristic manifestations after septoplasty are increased drowsiness, slight dizziness and weakness. During the rehabilitation period, an allergic reaction to medications may develop, and in some cases this may occur during surgery. With such a complication, a different treatment regimen is selected for the patient, or antihistamines are prescribed.

Dangerous complications after surgery on the nasal septum

Seek medical attention if you experience some of the symptoms that cause breathing problems. The following complications are not normal:

• sinusitis is characterized by the appearance of pain and a feeling of pressure in the sinuses;
• synechia block the lumen of the nasal cavity and thereby prevent the normal movement of air;
• anatomical defects after surgery are the basis for the violation of natural breathing.
• perforation is characterized by the appearance of a whistle during breathing and increased dryness in the nasopharynx.

In the postoperative period after the correction of the nasal septum, bleeding and hematomas may appear when blood clots accumulate between the layers of the mucous membrane. In such a situation, it is imperative to consult a doctor who will carry out the necessary procedure for cleaning the organ.

In the event that infectious complications occur during the operation, the patient is shown taking antibacterial drugs for several days. In addition, the doctor may prescribe mucosal treatment with a special ointment, which contains special chemical compounds. With their help, it is possible to quickly eliminate inflammation, stop the further reproduction of pathogens and make breathing easier.

After surgery on the nasal septum, it is strictly forbidden to smoke, ride a bicycle and drink alcoholic beverages. It is allowed to return to such habits 2-4 weeks after the operation, when breathing returns to normal. Compliance with all the doctor's recommendations and prescriptions allows you to restore the function of the nose in a short time, while the rehabilitation period is much easier.