Is It Ok to Use Salt and Water on a Sore Throat After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had rhinoplasty 5 days ago and my throat is SO painful (left side) it hurts to swallow and even breathe as my nose is blocked up. I was wondering what I should do? I've heard that salt water helps but will it increase swelling? Thank you.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

After rhinoplasty (or any surgery), a sore throat is usually due to the laryngeal mask or endotracheal tube used by your anesthesia provider to protect your airway and provide oxygen and sometimes anesthetic gases during surgery. Irritation can result from these necessary devices, and each patient may have different degrees of throat soreness ranging from none at all to severe.

	Salt water gargles will cause no harm and can help to relieve mild symptoms. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water will do the trick, and will not cause more swelling. Sucrets or Cepacol lozenges have a topical anesthetic that can soothe sore and irritated tissues until they heal in a day or two.

	Severe pain could be a sign of infection, either bacterial or viral. when in doubt, see your doctor. Best wishes!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If your sore throat has been present since you awoke in the recovery room, it's likely from the orotracheal tube used during your procedure. If your sore throat appeared several days after your surgery, you may have tonsillitis which may require antibiotics. In that regard, you may want to visit your surgeon for evaluation.

	I like Chloraseptic red lozenges with benzocaine (follow package directions), for acute sore throat relief.

	Hope this is helpful.

	Dr. Joseph

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Gargling with salt water after rhinoplasty is fine. The soreness may be from the breathing tube (if you had one), but it could also be a virus which can produce some throat ulcerations which could take 1-2 weeks to heal. If so the important thing is for you to make sure you don't get dehydrated. So, somehow you need to keep drinking electrolytes.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Sore throat is usually caused by the anesthesia during rhinoplasty, and salt water is very safe to soothe the discomfort. Cold air humidity can help, and you can also use lozenges, an old standby.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Gargling with salt water to relieve a sore throat will not hurt anything. Most after surgery sore throats are related to having the Anesthesia tube there. However, to be sure please see your surgeon. You may have a throat infection. Which would need to be treated with antibiotics.

Is It Ok to Use Salt and Water on a Sore Throat After Rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Salt water gargling after Rhinoplasty

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Is It Ok to Use Salt and Water on a Sore Throat After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sore throat after rhinoplasty

Answer: Sore throat after rhinoplasty

Answer: Salt water gargling after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Salt water gargling after Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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