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Patient FAQs for Nasal Packing
1. How long will the packing stay in?
• Your packing will remain in place for a time agreed upon with your clinician
but typically should be in place for no longer than 5 days. The duration
may depend on factors related to the severity and location of the nosebleed,
certain underlying medical conditions, and your comfort. If your packing is
resorbable, it may not need removal and will go away with time and the use of
nasal saline sprays.
2. Will I be uncomfortable with packing?
• Nasal packing takes up space in your nose and decreases airflow. It can also
block your sinuses from draining and obstruct the flow of your tears into the
nose. You may experience symptoms similar to a cold while the packing is in
place, including nasal obstruction, decreased ability to smell, facial pressure,
headaches, nasal drainage, and tearing from the eyes.
3. Can I still have a nosebleed with the packing in?
• Yes, if pressure from the packing is not able to reach the area of bleeding
in the nose, bleeding can occur. If this happens, apply pressure to the nose
with pinching of the soft area, call your clinician, or go to the emergency
department for further management.
4. Shouldn't we leave the packing in longer?
• With nonresorbable packing, duration of use past the time recommended by
your clinician can result in possible complications. Therefore, strict adherence
to follow-up directions are important.
5. What complications can result from packing?
• Packing is a foreign material that can support the growth of bacteria in the
nose. There is a low risk of infection spreading to the nose and sinuses or, in
extremely rare cases, throughout the body. The packing also provides pressure
inside the nose. This may decrease blood flow to areas of the nose and result
in injury. Septal perforations (hole in the partition dividing the right and left
nasal cavity) and scar bands in the nasal cavity can develop after removal of
the packing. If the packing is secured with clips at the nasal opening, pressure
sores of the external skin can develop over time and result in external scarring.
Packing obstructs airflow and can interrupt sleep at night, temporarily
contributing to or worsening obstructive sleep apnea.
Patient Information
