Why does the saline solution dry and burn my nasal passage after a septorhinoplasty?

Question

Day5 Post-Op, my doctor suggests I clean my nasal passages with saline after Day1. I've been dipping a Q-tip in the Ocean Saline Nasal Spray to clean my nostrils; today I sprayed the inside of both nasal passages twice. I just want to clean the inside of my nose. The first time I placed the solution in my passage ways I felt great! 3hrs later, again, I gave four good pumps, but now the passages are dry with a burning feeling in different areas of my nasal passage. Should it burn and feel dry?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would contact your surgeon about these concerns, because all surgeons have different recommendations.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Every surgeon treats their patients with a different protocol to some degree so I would suggest discussing your concerns with your surgeon. Personally I prefer to do the cleaning of my patients nose and do not start any sprays this soon after surgery. Discuss your problems, burning etc with your surgeon and a post operative solution should be put into place. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Why does the saline solution dry and burn my nasal passage after a septorhinoplasty?

Answers (2)