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Patient FAQs for Nasal Packing (cont'd)
6. How can I reduce the chance of complications associated with
packing?
• In some cases, oral antibiotics will be used if the risk for infection is high.
Antibiotics, while generally safe, do have some risks, including allergic
reactions and gastrointestinal problems. A discussion with your clinician
regarding the risks and benefits is appropriate. Keeping the nose and packing
moist with nasal saline (salt water) sprays throughout the day can reduce
crusting and help resorbable packing melt away. Strict adherence to follow-up
instructions will allow for appropriate removal of packing when necessary and
should make complications less frequent.
7. What type of restrictions should I follow?
• To avoid increased blood flow to the nose and risk of further bleeding, you
should avoid straining, lifting over 10 pounds, bending over, and exercising.
Sleeping with the head slightly elevated may also help. Walking and other
nonstrenuous activity is permitted. Unless otherwise instructed by your
clinician, avoid over-the-counter pain medications that may increase bleeding
including aspirin and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) does not increase
bleeding and can be used. In general, you should not try to blow your nose if
you have packing in place. If you feel the need to sneeze, sneeze with mouth
open.
8. What types of symptoms should I be concerned with?
• You should call your clinician with any of the following : return of blood from
nose or mouth, fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing pain, vision
changes, shortness of breath or labored breathing, loss of color around the
skin of the nose, swelling of the face, or a diffuse skin rash.
9. Who will remove the packing and where will this happen?
• You should discuss this with your clinician at the time when the pack is
placed.
10. What happens after the packing is removed?
• You may initially experience a small amount of bleeding from the raw surfaces
inside your nose. Keeping the nose humid with saline spray and moisturizing
agents will prevent dry crusts and facilitate healing. In some cases, nosebleeds
may recur and an additional treatment may be needed. If this happens, apply
pressure to the nose with pinching of the soft area and consider the use of a
vasoconstrictor spray. If bleeding continues, call your medical provider, or go
to the emergency department for further management.
