5 days post septorhinoplasty I have an extremely sore throat. Is this normal?

Question

Hello, I underwent a Septo-Rhinoplasty on Monday April 29th, and I still have a very sore thorat/tongue 5 days post-op. I reached out to my post-op care nurse yesterday via email and she advised me that this is normal and to use lozenges and gargle salt water. However, everywhere I check online it says sore throat should only last a few days and get progressively better everyday. Is this normal?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. Sore throat is not uncommon after a surgical procedure. It is a result of intubation. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common for patients to experience throat pain or discomfort after surgery. This is most commonly a result of the breathing tube used during the anesthesia process. Continue following your post-care instructions from your surgeon and nursing team and the sore throat should resolve in about seven to ten days after surgery. Best of luck!

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. A sore throat is a normal thing that might be caused by a breathing tube used during the surgery. The healing might change from person to person so it may require more time for you as 7-10 days. Inform your surgeon if the addressed treatment doesn't work for you.Best Regards

Paul N. Afrooz, MD · Answer

A sore throat after rhinoplasty is not uncommon and is usually due to the breathing tube that is used during surgery.  However, this should only last a few days.  If you are on antibiotics and you notice the sore throat is not getting better, contact your surgeon. In rare instances, the antibiotics can cause an oral thrush that could be the cause of a sore throat. If it doesn't get better with the lozenges and gargling, I would suggest an in-person evaluation.

5 days post septorhinoplasty I have an extremely sore throat. Is this normal?

Answers (4)