Whay to do if nasal packing comes out?

Question

My son broke his nose on two days ago. Was reset yesterday and the packing came out of his mouth today. What should we do? Thank you so much.

Jonathan Pontell, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  I would call your doctor immediately.  At the very least, the packing should be trimmed inside his mouth if it is hanging down as it could be aspirated into his airway which could be very dangerous.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear luluandluckyIf after nasal fracture reduction the packing came out, and he is not bleeding actively, there should be nothing to worry about. You should contact your surgeon and inform him or her that the packing came out. In routine cases, nasal packing is removed on first or second post operative day.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely not much to worry about. I would follow up with your surgeon on Monday.Ron Hazani, MD, FACS

Andrew S. Frankel, MD · Answer

Call your doctor's office. Probably just fine to leave it as is but the surgeon ought to know. It would be unlikely that the surgeon would choose to repack the nose.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I agree to contact your surgeon. If the fracture was just a couple days ago then there are still several days where it can be reduced. There is actually some advantage to waiting a few days until the swelling has gone down.

Whay to do if nasal packing comes out?

Answers (5)