Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Following nasal surgery or as part of the non-surgical treatment of your nasal condition, you may be advised to perform Saline (saltwater) nasal douching.
For the first week or so after surgery you will feel blocked up and congested. This is quite normal and occurs because of the swelling inside the nose. It is also likely that you will have both crusts and mucous in the nose as well as some blood stained discharge.
To help keep the nose clear you are advised to ‘douche’. This can be performed in 2 ways
Home-made salt-water solution
To make the saltwater solution, mix half a pint of boiled water with half a teaspoon of salt; store this solution in a covered container.
You will be provided with a 10ml syringe on discharge from the ward or from the outpatient department
Once the solution has cooled, fill the syringe completely and spray the saltwater into one side of the nose.
Repeat this on the other side of the nose. This needs to be performed three or four times daily to clear the secretions and crusts
After use, take the syringe apart, wash thoroughly with hot water and leave to dry. Put the syringe back together when it is dry
Pre-made commercial saline spray which is called Sterimar can be purchased from your local chemist (e.g. Boots, Lloyds).
Use 2 sprays to each side of the nose, three or four times a day
Some surgeons will prescribe some nose drops or a nasal spray for you to use after the saline nasal douche
If any problems arise after you have gone home please contact the wards:
Frimley Park Hospital: Short Stay Surgery ward Direct No: 0300 613 3216
F1 (children’s ward) 0300 613 4252
Sources of Additional Information:
British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists:www.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/032
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.