Does saline sprays and saline rinses like net pots dry out my nose and sinuses? I am 9 month post-op of Rhinoplasty.

Question

can someone help me get a clarification on this. I been doing saline sprays and sometimes saline rinse like neti pot for dry nose and crust. My surgeon suggest doing a saline rinse to help with the crusting that I was having in my nose. but my question is could the neti pot cause more dryness in my nose since I don't have a runny nose? I though this rinse was use when you have a runny nose to help dry out. my nose just feels dry all the time with crust inside. my surgeon said everything is Ok.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Saline drops will not be contributing to dryness. Dryness after surgery usually comes from resection of healthy nasal epithelium. I would consider seeing one or two other doctors for additional recommendations.

Michael R. Menachof, MD · Answer

You can definitely overdue things with nasal irrigation.  If you are doing that too often or too aggressively you can wash the normal protective mucus out of the nose, actually making things a bit worse.  The combination of over-the-counter nasal moisturizing sprays multiple times a day, along with some Vaseline ointment placed just inside the nostril itself, usually works very well. If this doesn't do the trick, make an appointment with a local ear, nose, and throat physician and he or she will be able to tell you what best to do next. Good luck.

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello LoriBorders,Saline sprays and neti pots, post-surgery help the nasal cilia and mucosa become healthier and functional.  It may feel dry, but it is trying to create a more "normal" nasal environment after the surgery.  In general, they should be very helpful.  Good luck with everything!

Kyle T. Yamamoto, MD · Answer

Saline rinses are a great natural way to help clear out crusts and maintain the moisture inside your nose.  Some dryness and crusting after nasal surgery is common and often simply due to the healing process.  At 9 months, the nose is still healing.Make sure that you are using a appropriate salt/water mix with your Neti pot.  Premixed packets or anreputable saline sinus rinse recipe (I recommend the one from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) are the best to ensure you are getting the best saline concentration for your nose.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

The saline rinses should not dry out your nose. They actually keep it moist and generally allow the nose to function more efficiently without as much swelling. I always recommend post-operative patients to use saline and here in southern california, I would recommend all people use some sort of saline spray on a daily basis just due to the dry weather and polution. Best of luck

Does saline sprays and saline rinses like net pots dry out my nose and sinuses? I am 9 month post-op of Rhinoplasty.

Answers (5)