Coughing up bright bloody mucus after rhinoplasty and septoplasty, should I be worried?

Question

It's been 4 days since my surgery and since I've had the internal nasal packing removed yesterday I've been coughing up bloody mucus it is getting more Frequent today I am not in any pain but I am concerned should I be worrying or is this normal

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You may have bled a bit from incisions inside the nasal cavity when you had the packing removed.  This would explain the blood tinged sputum.  This should resolve in a few days.  If it persists have your surgen examine you.

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Agreed, oozing after nasal surgery will occur for several weeks but would check with your surgeon

Michael J. Yaremchuk, MD (license resigned) · Answer

It is normal to cough up bloody sputum after a rhinoplasty.  If it seems excessive you should call your surgeon or go to an emergency room for evaluation.

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

Truthfully, it sounds totally normal. It's common to cough up some blood after these operations, and I tell my patients to expect this.
If it persists or worsens call your doctor immediately. But it is most likely safe to watch it at this time.
Hope this helps!
Dr Chris Saunders

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

Occasionally, after rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or sinus surgery - a surgeon may place packing to stop bleeding. After the packing is removed, there may be bleeding for 1-2 days. The blood is often dark, not bright. If one has increasing bleeding that is bright, this should be evaluated immediately. The safest course of action is to contact your surgeon for advice if the bleeding is minimal. If you cannot reach your surgeon or if the bleeding amount concerns you, then consider seeking care in an emergency room.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It would be best to get yourself checked over by your surgeon.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

No this is not normal.  Contact your surgeon as soon as possible.  Best wishes for a full recovery.

Coughing up bright bloody mucus after rhinoplasty and septoplasty, should I be worried?

Answers (7)

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