Caring for your Child after Nasal Cautery
Electrical nasal cautery closes off a blood vessel in the nose to relieve the problem of nosebleeds. It is a short procedure done under general anesthesia.
What to do
- Your child can take part in normal activity, as he feels able. If your child is in daycare or school, he or she may return to it the day after the procedure.
- Your child may feel sick to his stomach from the anesthesia. Start your child on clear liquids. Advance to solid food as his stomach can handle it. If your child has nausea or vomiting after eating solid food, start over with clear liquids.
- If your child has pain, give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) every 4 hours as needed. Avoid ibuprofen for two weeks.
- No nose blowing for 1 week. Wipe the nose with a tissue rather than blowing it.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the inside of the nose with a cotton swab at bedtime for two weeks.
- Use nasal saline spray if told to do so by your doctor.
- No nose picking. If your child picks his nose when sleeping at night, it may help to have him wear socks on his hands while in bed.
A nurse will call you the day after or Monday after the procedure to see how your child is feeling. Your doctor will let you know if you need to come back for a return visit.
Call your child’s doctor or clinic nurse if
- Your child has frequent vomiting and is not able to keep clear liquids down.
- Your child has a fever over 101°F, when taken by mouth or over 100ºF, when taken under the arm.
- Your child gets a nosebleed. Pinch the nostrils (the fleshy part of the nose) without letting up on the pressure for 10 minutes. If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, call your child’s doctor or clinic nurse.
- You have any concern that your child is not doing well.
Phone Numbers:
Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) Clinic (608) 265-7760 weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 pm.
After hours and weekends, this will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Otolaryngology (ENT) doctor on call. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If outside of Madison, call toll-free at 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/25/2012
Copyright © 07/25/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6147
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