I'm having trouble sleeping after having septoplasty. What can I do?

Question

I had my septoplasty to fixed my deviated septum and I'm now at home recovering. My nose has become swollen and stuffed with an endless supply of...something. I know my nose is constantly running with a clear liquid and some blood in my left nostril. Because both of my nostrils are constantly stuffed, I can't seem to fall asleep. Either I' swallowing which is causing my head and ears to pop, jarring me awake, or my body is trying to snore and I'm choking. It's scaring me. What can I do?

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question and I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time sleeping. One of the best thing to do the first few days after nasal surgery is to sleep upright. Sleeping upright helps to really reduce the amount of swelling in the nose and may improve your breathing a little bit. Most patients have some difficulty breast which usually improves after 48-72 hours. Ask your surgeon first, but using some nasal spray may help to remove some of junk in your nose. Best of luck and congratulations on your surgery!~Dr. Sieber

I'm having trouble sleeping after having septoplasty. What can I do?

Answers (1)