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Hello, I Had A Silver Nitrate Nose Cauterization Yesterday To
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I had a silver nitrate nose cauterization yesterday to help with nosebleeds in my left notstril. The ENT used the nitrate stick in approximately 3 places. I was given this advice for aftercare other than no exercise for 2 weeks. No heavy lifting, sneeze with mouth open, no blowing nose. Use saline solution through the day, use Nasogel in the evenings and use cool mist humidifier. I have done these things last night and today. My concern is I’m very nervous about causing my nose to bleed or scab come loose. I can’t breathe at all out of my left nostril. There is brown stuff all inside and around the edges of my nostril and also a few huge blobs of gray matter, plus the moisture. It’s really disgusting. The doc didn’t tell me anything about this occurring. So I am very nervous about rupture. I am very careful and and only drinking liquids so I don’t cause problems with my nose moving, by chewing. I slept in upright position. Can you please let me know if all the junk in my nose is normal? She did not pack . I am very nervous about causing it to bleed. It feels very crusty and looks awful. Please help me with peace of mind and what I can do to ensure a good healing from this. As you can tell, I am very nervous about it. Thank you in advance.
Scabbing inside the nostril following cautery is normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
First of all, I would like to reassure you that the scabbing of the nose following chemical or electro-cauterisation is normal. The physical nasal packing is not required as the scab forms a natural pack thus preventing the re-bleeding. The scab would remain there for at least 7 days, before it gets dislodged by itself. Scabbing or crusting is the collection of blood clots and the dry nasal secretions. This acts as a protective cover during the nasal bleeds. Dislodging the same could create a more raw area in the nasal mucosa and restart the nasal bleed.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Use the saline nasal spray as frequently as possible to keep the scab moist and soft.
2. Also, the nasal gel can be used at least 3-4 times a day.
3. Drink frequent sips of water to prevent dryness of the throat caused due to mouth breathing.
4. You can eat normal food except for the hard items.
5. Stay indoors for 2-3 days.
6. Avoid nose picking, strenuous exercises and dry environment.
Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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Do not worry! This is perfectly normal.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back
Trust me this is quite normal following any nasal procedure. In fact, yours is a very minor office procedure and the recovery would be very fast compared to any other major nasal surgery.
I understand that, you would have been mentally prepared if your doctor had educated you enough before this procedure.
Relax! There is no point in getting over-apprehensive about this scab. Obviously, it looks scary inside the nose, but, trust me this is the one which protects you from any re-bleed. The frequent use of normal saline will make it soft and clear off by itself from the nose. Kindly follow my suggestions you will get over this very soon.
Finally, avoid coffee, as it makes the nasal mucosa dry.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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Kind regards, XXXXXXX
Wish you a speedy recovery
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back
Thanks for your kind words. I wish you a speedy recovery. God bless you always.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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God Bless you.
Kind regsrds, XXXXXXX
Take care, stay safe and healthy
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Take care, stay safe and healthy
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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Answered by
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Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2544 Questions
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