Top 8 Sinus Surgery Recovery Tips to Help You Feel Better

If you've recently undergone sinus surgery, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the recovery process. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure a successful recovery and minimize your discomfort and downtime. In this article, I will provide the eight most effective tips on how to recover quickly from sinus surgery and get back to feeling like your old self. From ways to relieve discomfort to the importance of staying hydrated, these sinus surgery recovery tips will help you make a smooth transition back to everyday life.

1. Take the Right Medications

Recovering from sinus surgery can be a challenging experience, but it doesn't have to be. Taking the right medications and following your doctor's instructions can help ensure a speedy recovery.

According to Hopkins Medicine, you should anticipate feeling tired and uncomfortable for at least the first week following surgery, but taking extra-strength acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, should ease minor discomfort. They suggest the avoidance of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as aspirin. Surgeons frequently refrain from using NSAIDs after sinus surgery because of the potential for increased bleeding risk.

Your doctor may also recommend taking a decongestant or antihistamine to help reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis; however, each case is unique. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics or any other postoperative medication, be sure to follow their instructions to help reduce the risk of infection or other post-surgery complications.

Be sure to reach out to your doctor if you have concerns or questions. Taking the right medications can make all the difference in a successful recovery from sinus surgery.

2. Natural Pain Relief

Alongside the recommended medications, you may try to alleviate the pain in your sinuses naturally. One natural method to reduce pain and swelling after sinus surgery is to apply ice or a cold pack to your nose. This is done for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. The ice should be separated from your skin by a thin cloth.

Also, don't sleep flat. Elevate your head while you sleep, or lie in a recliner. This is because elevating your head on a few pillows while you are asleep and maintaining a head-over-heart position will help to clear any congestion and thus reduce discomfort. The strategy works by simply reducing blood flow to the nose.

On the other hand, sleeping flat allows mucus to build up in the sinuses, which can obstruct the nasal passages and disrupt sleep. Disruptive sleep is something you don't want when recovering from sinus surgery!

3. Rest and Take It Easy

Getting proper rest is an extremely crucial part of recovering from sinus surgery. The body needs time to heal, and rest can help the body restore itself. Depending on the type of surgery and how extensive it was, you may need to take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks off to rest.

To maximize your rest period, it is vital to make sure you are getting enough sleep and also taking some time to relax. Taking breaks throughout the day to relax and clear your mind can help reduce stress and give the body time to heal. Additionally, try to avoid activities that are physically demanding or require a lot of focus, such as exercising or working.

If you have questions or concerns about how much rest you should be getting, it is always advisable to consult your doctor.

4. Avoid Certain Activities

When recovering from sinus surgery, it's critical to avoid certain activities to promote a full and successful recovery. After sinus surgery, your surgeon will likely advise you to avoid physical activity and heavy lifting for at least two weeks.

Additionally, it is probably wise to refrain from swimming for a while. Until your surgeon has given you the all-clear, a swim in a chlorinated pool could put you at risk of infection. Also, chlorine might irritate your nasal tissue or macerate the incision site. Water-exposed wounds are more likely to become infected, which can hinder healing and impair the outcomes of your sinus surgery procedure.

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5. Follow a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is an invaluable part of the recovery process after sinus surgery. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help promote healing and keep your energy levels up.

Some foods should be avoided after sinus surgery. It’s smart to stay away from processed foods and foods high in fat, sodium, and sugar. For some people, these foods can be difficult to digest and may cause nausea or vomiting. Spicy foods should also be avoided, as they can irritate the lining of your nose and sinuses.

That being said, everyone is different. If you find that you tolerate spicy foods well, you could include them in your diet in moderation. However, make sure to listen to your body and take it easy if you start to feel any discomfort. The most crucial thing is to focus on eating a balanced, nutritious diet that’s right for you and sets you up for a healthy recovery.

6. Stay Hydrated

Alongside eating a healthy diet, It’s also critical to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Staying hydrated is a key part of recovering from sinus surgery. Hydration helps to flush out toxins and reduce swelling, which can speed up the healing process. It also helps keep your mucous membranes moist, which may prevent infection and other complications.

So how can you stay hydrated? The most effective way is to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, sports drinks, and electrolyte-rich juices. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause dehydration. If you don't want to drink plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime for extra flavor.

7. Avoid Contact With Irritants

After surgery, it's crucial to stay away from anything that might aggravate your sinuses and make them inflamed or infected. Examples might be smoke, chemical vapors, and other irritants, such as sand or sawdust. You certainly won't want to breathe any of these in for a few weeks. This is because any irritant that manages to enter your respiratory system could cause your sinuses to become inflamed or even infected.

8. How to Clean Your Nasal Passages

Your healthcare provider will probably tell you to avoid blowing your nose for at least a week after sinus surgery. Blowing your nose can cause increased pressure in the sinus cavity, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Instead, you could try using a gentle saline spray or neti pot to keep your sinuses clear. These nasal washes help clear out mucus and dried blood while also keeping your nasal passages open. Saline nose washes are available in pharmacies or grocery stores.

Your surgeon might suggest that it is OK to blow your nose very gently after 1-2 weeks. You'll want to be mindful of doing that as gently as possible! It's also a smart idea to keep your mouth open when you sneeze to avoid pressure within the nasal passages.

More Sinus Surgery Recovery Tips From Specialists

Summary

Getting enough sleep and not overdoing it are essential components of sinus surgery recovery. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can aid the body's healing process. Maintaining hydration and keeping your nasal passages clean and free of irritants is crucial. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a successful recovery after surgery!

Sources and Further Reading

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - Johns Hopkins Medicine
  Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure used to remove blockages in the sinuses that cause pain, drainage, infections, impaired breathing or loss of smell.
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - Alberta Health
  How can you care for yourself at home? Activity, Diet, Medicines, Incision Care, Ice and Elevation, Other Instructions.
• How to Sleep With Sinus Pain and Congestion - Everyday Health
  Sinus pain and congestion can rob you of a good night's sleep. Use these eight expert-approved tips for congestion relief to sleep better tonight.
• Effect of Over the Counter Ibuprofen Dosing after Sinus Surgery
  Surgeons often avoid the use of NSAIDs following ESS out of concern for increased bleeding risk.
• Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat | Nasal and Sinus Surgery
  Discharge instructions post-op nasal and sinus surgery.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2023 Louise Fiolek