Sinus Precautions
(for patients that have been told there is an opening into the sinus after surgery)
You have a potential opening between your mouth and sinus. If this does not heal properly and remains open, a chronic sinus infection may result. The following precautions need to be followed to minimize complications associated with your sinus and well as allow proper postoperative healing. If you have any questions, please call.
Do not blow your nose. This will pressurize the sinus and allow air to escape through the opening into your mouth. If this happens, the sinus opening will not close. IF YOU MUST BLOW YOUR NOSE, keep both nostrils open and blow gently. This will at least minimize the risk of opening the hole.
If you have to sneeze, open your mouth. Sneezing also pressurizes the sinus and may allow air to escape through the opening. If this happens, the sinus opening will not close. Opening the mouth allows the pressurized air to escape through your mouth.
Take the medications that have been prescribed for you (as listed below). These will help the sinus to heal.
Please remember that the above directions are to help the sinus heal and limit the possibility of the need for further surgery to close the sinus opening.
The following medications will help the sinus to repair the opening:
Antibiotics (take as prescribed by Dr. Felgenhauer)
Actifed or Sudafed ( a prescription is not needed): take one three times a day for 7 to 14 days.
Afrin Nasal spray/drops: Place in each nostril every 12 hours as needed.
