Yellow mucous down back of throat 4 weeks after sinus surgery (including sphenoid) and septoplasty. Is this normal?

Question

It has been 4 weeks since I had sinus surgery and a septoplasty. I have been doing nasal rinses with neilmed 4 times a day and am still on flixonase nasule drops. In the past few days I have been getting bad headaches behind eyes and pain when bending over along with yellow discharge down back of my throat. I don’t think it’s infected as have no other symptoms such as bad smell or fever. Is this normal? Is it likely to be infection? Should I still be getting sinus headaches now? Thanks

James Barraclough, FRCS (ORL-HNS) · Answer

Sounds like you are doing all the correct things after your operation. By 4 weeks most people's discharge settles down so this is a little unusual. Someone should have a look inside the nose with a scope and see what the problem is as one or some of the sinuses may have not settled down. It sounds like a course of antibiotics would be a good idea.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi funkymunkey123, Yellow discharge and pain are actually signs of persistent infection of the nose and sinus, which will require antibiotic treatment. The saline rinse is fine, but you should consult with your surgeon as perhaps you should be taking antibiotics as well, especially because you are using steroid nasal spray.

Yellow mucous down back of throat 4 weeks after sinus surgery (including sphenoid) and septoplasty. Is this normal?

Answers (2)