5 Days Post-Op Rhinoplasty I have Inflamed Red Throat, is this Postnasal Drip?

Question

I am 5 days PO for my rhinoplasty. The nose discomfort is almost nonexistent. But the sore throat is terrible. At first I thought it was the direct inflammation from traumatic suctioning of blood during surgery. The back of my throat looked like raw hamburger meat. But the throat now looks just slightly inflamed and not disfigured looking. I am starting to think this is now just a postnasal drip. Any ideas? If this is postnasal drip (surgical drainage), how long does this usually last.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

You may be right that your sore throat was caused by suctioning. Also if you had a breathing tube inserted during your procedure, this can irritate the back of the throat,eg.LMA. Also because nose is stuffy, you may be a mouth breather for a while This can dry out the mouth and cause throat pain. Hydrate and use topical membrane analgesics.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It could be all of the above.  It could have been from the tube, from post-nasal drip, or even strep throat. You may want to get this checked out.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Your sore throat after rhinoplasty is likely due to your anesthesia, not nasal drip, and should clear up after several days. Throat lozenges will help you feel better.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Your throat may have been irritated from a breathing tube used in surgery. However, the best thing to do is ask your surgeon to take a look.

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

A sore throat after rhinoplasty is not uncommon. You may be able only to breath through your mouth because of internal swelling. Also, if you weree intubated some discomfort will often result

5 Days Post-Op Rhinoplasty I have Inflamed Red Throat, is this Postnasal Drip?

Answers (6)