What are the management options for left nostril mucous after having an endoscopy at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic?

From the Guidelines

Management of left nostril mucous after an ENT endoscopy typically involves gentle saline nasal rinses 2-3 times daily using a neti pot or squeeze bottle with sterile or distilled water, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. This helps clear residual mucous and any blood that may have accumulated during the procedure. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays like Simply Saline or Ocean Spray can also be used every 2-3 hours as needed. Some key points to consider in the management of sinusitis, which may be relevant to the presence of mucous after an endoscopy, include:

• Symptoms suggestive of acute sinusitis, such as nasal congestion, purulent rhinorrhea, and facial pain, as outlined in the diagnosis and management of sinusitis guidelines 1.
• The importance of nasal endoscopy in diagnosing and managing sinusitis, as it offers a significantly better view than a nasal speculum 1.
• The use of imaging studies, such as CT scans, to support the diagnosis or provide evidence of the degree of mucosal involvement, as suggested in the rhinosinusitis diagnosis and management guidelines 1. Avoid forceful nose blowing for 24-48 hours after the procedure to prevent bleeding. If prescribed, use antibiotic ointments like Mupirocin or Bacitracin applied to the nostril with a cotton swab twice daily for 3-5 days. For persistent thick mucous, a humidifier in your bedroom can help moisturize nasal passages. Staying well-hydrated also thins mucous secretions. If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge, contact your ENT provider immediately as these may indicate complications. These measures help maintain nasal hygiene while supporting the healing process after endoscopic examination by removing irritants and preventing crusting that could lead to discomfort or infection. It is essential to follow the ENT provider's specific instructions for post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. In general, the management of left nostril mucous after an ENT endoscopy should prioritize gentle nasal care, hydration, and monitoring for potential complications, as supported by recent guidelines and evidence-based practice 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure Purpose Nasal decongestant

The management options for left nostril mucous after having an endoscopy at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic may include nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (IN) 2 2.

• Temporarily relieving nasal congestion
• Relieving sinus congestion and pressure However, it is essential to consult the ENT clinic for specific guidance on managing left nostril mucous after an endoscopy, as the FDA drug label does not directly address this situation.

From the Research

Management Options for Left Nostril Mucous after Endoscopy at ENT Clinic

• The presence of left nostril mucous after an endoscopy at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic can be managed with various strategies, including nasal saline irrigation, sinus cavity debridement, and standard topical nasal steroid spray, as recommended by 3.
• Nasal saline irrigation is a beneficial low-risk treatment that serves an adjunctive function in the medical and surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and is hypothesized to function by thinning mucous, improving mucociliary clearance, decreasing edema, and reducing antigen load in the nasal and sinus cavities 4.
• Topical decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, can be used to relieve nasal congestion, but their use should be carefully weighed due to potential cardiovascular and neurological adverse events, and they should not be prescribed for patients under the age of 15 or for the common cold 5.
• A combination of paracetamol and pseudoephedrine can be effective in treating nasal congestion and pain-related symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections, and has been shown to be superior to paracetamol and pseudoephedrine alone in improving nasal airflow conductance and pain relief 6.
• Other treatment options, such as over-the-counter analgesics, zinc, nasal decongestants with or without antihistamines, and ipratropium for cough, may also be effective in managing cold symptoms in adults, while acetylcysteine, honey, nasal saline irrigation, intranasal ipratropium, and topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils may be beneficial in children 7.

Considerations for Treatment

• The use of nasal saline irrigation has recently come under scrutiny due to potential associations with cases of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, and therefore, hygiene recommendations should be carefully followed 4.
• Over-the-counter cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years, and counseling patients about the importance of good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent transmission of cold viruses 7.
• Clinical judgment, in addition to evidence, is critical to determining the most appropriate care for patients with left nostril mucous after an endoscopy at the ENT clinic, and treatment options should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and medical history 3.