Bloody phlegm more than 1 week after surgery. Should I be worried?

Question

When I clear my throat and spit I see some red, especially in the morning after I wake up. This started 1 week after surgery when I went for the checkup and had my splint and stitches removed, Doctor mentioned to use Afrin, which I have for 2 days. It's certainly reduced the bleeding, but it's still happening. Not constantly, but in small qty. The blood is NOT really running down my nose, it is only coming from my throat. 1.5 weeks after surgery, Should I be concerned and what should I do?

Clyde Mathison, MD · Answer

The cause of your bloody phlegm is likely an irritation in one of the nasal cavities causing a slow trickle of blood that happens to be draining down your throat (instead of the typical nose bleed with blood coming from one's nostrils).  As I tell my patients, "A moist nose is a happy nose."  Start using nasal saline spray or Nasogel....frequently.  Save the Afrin for any severe bleeding.  And make sure to let your surgeon know that you are still having bleeding issues. I hope this helps.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

You may have a trickling slow bleed from the lining of your nose after surgery. I would recommend using nasal saline sprays and lubricating ointment like mupirocin or even Vaseline to keep the nasal lining moist. Please check in with your surgeon before starting any of these recommendations.

Bloody phlegm more than 1 week after surgery. Should I be worried?

Answers (2)