From the Research
Avoid blowing your nose forcefully for at least 1-2 weeks after sinus surgery, as this can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, disruption of surgical sites, and infection risk. Potential complications from forceful nose blowing after sinus surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Disruption of surgical sites
- Air entering surrounding tissues (subcutaneous emphysema)
- Increased swelling and pain
- Delayed healing
- Infection risk Instead of blowing, use saline nasal rinses as directed by your surgeon, typically starting 24-48 hours after surgery, as recommended by studies such as 1. Use a sterile saline solution or prepare it with boiled, cooled water and salt packets provided. Rinse 2-4 times daily for the first few weeks. To manage congestion, use prescribed nasal sprays and oral medications as directed. Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling and promote drainage. These precautions are necessary because the delicate tissues and bone structures in your sinuses are healing, and forceful blowing can disrupt this process and potentially introduce bacteria into the surgical sites, as noted in studies such as 2. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, highlights the importance of preventing and managing complications in frontal sinus surgery, which includes avoiding forceful nose blowing after surgery.