This Health Fact for You tells you how to care for your child after endoscopic sinus surgery.
Endoscopic sinus surgery uses scopes through the nose to open sinuses that are blocked. Opening these natural drainage pathways helps prevent sinus blockage that can lead to chronic infections.
What to Expect
After surgery, your child will have some material placed in the sinus cavities to help with proper healing. This will dissolve inside your child's nose.
Your child will have a little blood-tinged drainage from the nose. They may wear a small dressing under the nose. Doing too much activity too soon may increase the amount of drainage.
Your child may have a stuffy nose for a few weeks as the sinuses heal.
Pain
Pain differs in each child. Your child may have some achiness in the nose or sinuses.
Cold packs to the nose and sinus areas may help with pain. Apply the pack every 3 or 4 hours for 20 to 30 minutes as needed. Give the pain medicine as prescribed by the doctor. They work best if used during the first 48 hours.
Diet
Your child may have some nausea from the anesthesia. Start with clear liquids and move to solid food as your child is able. Your child should drink a lot of water and other fluids.
Medicine
Your child may be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection. If told to do so, use the steroid nasal spray to help decrease swelling. Use nasal saline mist or spray when told to do so by your doctor.
Sleep
A humidifier at the bedside may help. An ultrasonic or cool type is the best. Clean the machine often using the manufacturer's directions.
Your child should sleep with their head on 2 to 3 pillows for the next 1-2 weeks.
Follow-up Visit
Your child will have a follow-up visit in about 4 weeks.
Limits After Surgery
No nose blowing for 1-2 weeks. This could cause bleeding.
No holding back sneezes. If your child sneezes, they should do so with their mouth open.
No sports for 1-2 weeks. Your doctor will tell you when your child can resume normal activities and sports.
If your child gets a bloody nose doing any activity, have them stop and rest.
Your child may return to school when they feel ready, often within 2 to 3 days.
No bending over or picking up heavy objects for 1 week.
Do not give decongestants or antihistamines unless told to.
Keep your child away from cigarette smoke and toxic fumes that may irritate the nose.
No air travel for 4 weeks. This avoids pressure changes and drying effects.
When to Call
Call the clinic right away if you notice:
The packing material comes out of the nose before it dissolves, and you are concerned (no treatment is needed)
Vision problems (loss of vision, double vision, eye pain)
Neck stiffness (your child cannot touch their chin to the chest) along with fever, severe headache, and tiredness
Fever over 102° F
Severe bleeding from the nose
Pain not relieved by medicines
Who to Call
American Family Children’s Hospital
ENT Clinic
Monday through Friday
8 am – 4:30 pm
(608) 263-6420, option 3
Rockford Pediatric ENT Clinic
Monday through Friday
8 am – 5:00 pm
(779) 696-8499
After hours, weekends or holidays, please call the American Family Children’s Hospital phone number. This number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the otolaryngology (ENT) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
The toll-free number is 1-800-323-8942.