What causes postnasal drip and ear infection drainage into the throat. How can postnasal drip be treated effectively. What are the complications of excess mucus production. How does postnasal drip differ from a runny nose. When should you see a doctor for persistent upper respiratory symptoms.

The Basics of Postnasal Drip: More Than Just a Runny Nose

Postnasal drip is a common condition that occurs when excess mucus drains from the back of the nose into the throat. While often confused with a runny nose, postnasal drip is distinctly different. Both conditions stem from the overproduction of mucus, but the path this excess mucus takes determines the symptoms experienced.

In normal circumstances, mucus plays a crucial role in our body’s defense system. It traps harmful particles like viruses and bacteria, keeping our nasal passages moist and protected. However, when the body produces more mucus than necessary, problems can arise.

Postnasal Drip vs. Runny Nose: Understanding the Difference

How do postnasal drip and a runny nose differ? The key lies in the direction of mucus flow:

• Postnasal drip: Excess mucus flows from the back of the nose into the throat
• Runny nose: Excess mucus exits through the nostrils

This distinction is important because it affects the symptoms experienced and the potential complications that may arise.

The Anatomy Behind Ear Infection Drainage Into Throat

To understand how an ear infection can lead to drainage into the throat, we need to explore the interconnected anatomy of our upper respiratory system. The nose, ears, and throat are all connected through a structure called the pharynx, a cone-shaped passageway at the back of the head.

When excess mucus is produced, it can flow through this interconnected system, potentially causing problems in multiple areas:

• Sinus passages: Excess mucus can clog these passages, leading to sinus infections
• Ears: Mucus can flow into the ears, potentially clogging the Eustachian tubes and causing ear infections
• Throat: The influx of mucus can irritate the throat, resulting in soreness or persistent coughing

The Role of the Eustachian Tube in Ear Infections

The Eustachian tube plays a crucial role in ear health. It connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, helping to equalize pressure and drain fluids. When excess mucus clogs this tube, it can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to an ear infection.

Common Causes of Postnasal Drip: From Viral Infections to Allergies

Postnasal drip can be either temporary or chronic, depending on its underlying cause. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Temporary Causes of Postnasal Drip

Several factors can lead to short-term postnasal drip:

1. Viral upper respiratory infections (e.g., common cold, flu)
2. Exposure to dry air or cold temperatures
3. Irritating fumes from smoke, chemicals, or strong fragrances
4. Consumption of spicy foods
5. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes

In these cases, postnasal drip typically resolves once the triggering condition subsides or the irritant is removed.

Chronic Causes of Postnasal Drip

For some individuals, postnasal drip can be a long-term issue. Chronic causes may include:

• Side effects of certain medications
• Allergies (seasonal or perennial)
• Structural abnormalities like a deviated septum

The Impact of Excess Mucus: Beyond Postnasal Drip

While postnasal drip is a common consequence of excess mucus production, it’s not the only potential complication. Excess mucus can lead to a range of issues affecting the entire upper respiratory system.

Sinus Infections: When Mucus Becomes a Breeding Ground

Excess mucus can accumulate in the sinus passages, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. This can lead to sinusitis, characterized by inflammation of the sinus lining and potential infection.

Ear Discomfort and Infections

As mentioned earlier, the connection between the nose, throat, and ears means that excess mucus can flow into the ear canals. This can cause discomfort and potentially lead to ear infections if the Eustachian tubes become blocked.

Throat Irritation and Persistent Cough

The constant flow of mucus down the back of the throat can cause irritation, leading to a sore throat or a persistent cough as the body tries to clear the excess fluid.

Effective Treatments for Postnasal Drip: From Home Remedies to Medication

Treating postnasal drip often involves a multi-faceted approach, combining lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medical interventions when necessary.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Several simple strategies can help alleviate the symptoms of postnasal drip:

• Steam exposure: Taking a hot shower or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help thin mucus and open nasal passages
• Elevated sleeping position: Using extra pillows to prop up your head while sleeping can prevent mucus from pooling in your throat
• Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or saline nasal spray can help flush out irritants and excess mucus
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel

Medication Options for Postnasal Drip

When home remedies aren’t sufficient, various medications can help manage postnasal drip:

1. Antihistamines: Helpful for allergy-induced postnasal drip
2. Decongestants: Can reduce mucus production (e.g., pseudoephedrine)
3. Expectorants: Help thin mucus, making it easier to expel (e.g., guaifenesin)
4. Steroid nasal sprays: Can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages
5. Antibiotics: Prescribed if a bacterial infection is the underlying cause

It’s important to note that the choice of medication depends on the underlying cause of the postnasal drip. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Persistent Symptoms

While many cases of postnasal drip can be managed at home, there are instances when professional medical advice is necessary. Persistent upper respiratory symptoms that don’t respond to home treatments or over-the-counter medications warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor

• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
• Fever accompanying your symptoms
• Severe headache or facial pain
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Blood in your mucus
• Recurring ear pain or loss of hearing

A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination, potentially including allergy tests or imaging studies, to determine the root cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Postnasal Drip

While it’s not always possible to prevent postnasal drip entirely, several strategies can help reduce its occurrence and severity:

Allergy Management

For those with allergies, managing exposure to triggers is crucial:

• Use air purifiers in your home
• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Regularly clean and replace air filters
• Consider allergy immunotherapy under medical supervision

Environmental Considerations

Certain environmental factors can exacerbate postnasal drip:

• Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep nasal passages moist
• Avoid exposure to irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, and cleaning chemicals
• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of viral infections

Dietary Factors

Some dietary choices can influence mucus production:

• Stay well-hydrated to help thin mucus
• Consider reducing dairy intake if you find it increases mucus production
• Limit spicy foods if they trigger postnasal drip symptoms

By implementing these preventive strategies, many individuals can significantly reduce their episodes of postnasal drip and associated complications like ear infections draining into the throat.

Understanding the Long-Term Impact: Chronic Postnasal Drip and Quality of Life

While acute postnasal drip is often a temporary inconvenience, chronic cases can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Understanding these potential long-term effects is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

Sleep Disturbances

Chronic postnasal drip can lead to:

• Disrupted sleep patterns due to coughing or throat clearing
• Increased risk of sleep apnea if postnasal drip contributes to nasal congestion
• Daytime fatigue resulting from poor sleep quality

Chronic Cough Syndrome

Persistent postnasal drip is a common cause of chronic cough, which can lead to:

• Social embarrassment
• Chest pain or sore muscles from frequent coughing
• Potential damage to vocal cords over time

Impact on Daily Activities

Chronic symptoms can affect various aspects of daily life:

• Reduced productivity at work or school
• Limitations in physical activities or exercise
• Potential social isolation due to persistent symptoms

Given these potential long-term impacts, it’s crucial for individuals experiencing chronic postnasal drip to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop comprehensive management strategies. This may involve regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing treatment adjustments to ensure optimal symptom control and quality of life.

Emerging Research: New Insights into Postnasal Drip and Related Conditions

The field of otolaryngology continues to evolve, with new research shedding light on postnasal drip, its causes, and potential treatments. Staying informed about these developments can help both patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about management and treatment strategies.

Microbiome Studies

Recent research has begun to explore the role of the nasal and sinus microbiome in upper respiratory health:

• Studies suggest that an imbalance in the nasal microbiome may contribute to chronic sinusitis and postnasal drip
• Probiotics for the nasal passages are being investigated as a potential treatment approach
• Understanding the microbiome could lead to more targeted therapies in the future

Immunotherapy Advancements

For allergy-related postnasal drip, new forms of immunotherapy are showing promise:

• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a potentially more convenient alternative to allergy shots
• Targeted molecular therapies are being developed for specific types of allergic responses
• These advancements could provide more effective and personalized treatment options for allergy-induced postnasal drip

Technological Innovations

New diagnostic and treatment technologies are emerging:

• Advanced imaging techniques allow for more precise diagnosis of structural issues contributing to postnasal drip
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures are being developed to address anatomical factors like deviated septums with reduced recovery time
• Wearable devices for monitoring air quality and allergen levels could help individuals better manage their exposure to triggers

As research in these areas continues to progress, it’s likely that our understanding and management of postnasal drip and related conditions will evolve. Patients experiencing chronic symptoms should stay in regular contact with their healthcare providers to learn about new treatment options that may become available.

In conclusion, postnasal drip, while often viewed as a minor nuisance, can have significant impacts on an individual’s health and quality of life. From its potential to cause ear infections draining into the throat to its role in chronic cough syndromes, understanding this condition is crucial for effective management. By staying informed about the causes, treatments, and ongoing research related to postnasal drip, individuals can work more effectively with their healthcare providers to develop comprehensive and personalized management strategies. Whether through lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, or emerging therapies, there are numerous approaches available to help individuals find relief from the persistent discomfort of postnasal drip and its associated complications.

Causes of Postnasal Drip and How to Treat It

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Authored by Revere Health

November 26, 2018 | Family Medicine

Have you been experiencing upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, persistent cough, clogging in the tubes of the ear or sinus infections? If so, postnasal drip may be the cause.

Postnasal drip is not the same thing as a runny nose, but they share the same root cause: production of excess or abnormally thick mucus from glands within the lining of your nasal passages.

Complications of excess mucus

Mucus is a thick, sticky liquid produced by your nose to protect the body from infection. It traps viruses and bacteria and keeps your nasal passages moist. When your body is functioning normally, mucus mixes with saliva and is harmlessly swallowed. However, under certain circumstances, your body may produce more mucus than normal. When this happens, the excess mucus needs someplace to go. Postnasal drip occurs when the excess mucus exits from the back of your nose into the throat. A runny nose is excess mucus exiting from the nostrils.

Excess mucus in your nose can clog your sinus passages, which may lead to a sinus infection. Postnasal drip can also cause ear or throat discomfort. Your nose is connected to your ears and throat via an open structure called the pharynx, a cone-shaped passageway in the back of the head. Therefore, excess mucus that exits from the back of your nose can flow into your ears and throat from the pharynx. Excess fluid in your ear can cause an ear infection by clogging up the Eustachian tube. An unusual influx of mucus can also irritate your throat, causing soreness or coughing.

What causes excess mucus and postnasal drip?

Postnasal drip may be temporary or chronic, depending on its cause. Potential causes of temporary postnasal drip include the following:

• Viral upper respiratory infections, such as cold or flu
• Dry air or cold temperatures, often experienced during changes of seasons
• Irritating fumes from smoke, chemicals, cleaning products, perfumes or colognes
• Spicy food
• Pregnancy

In these cases, postnasal drip typically subsides after the condition runs its course or the irritating stimulant is removed.

Chronic postnasal drip is excess mucus production that persists for a long period of time and may be caused by the following:

• Side effects of certain medications
• Allergies
• Deviated septum, a congenital malformation of the nose

Treatments for postnasal drip

You can take steps to relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip. Exposure to steam, by taking a shower or drinking hot soup, for example, can help to thin the mucus and open the nasal passages. You can also prevent mucus from collecting in your throat while you sleep by lying on propped-up pillows. If your postnasal drip is caused by allergens or other irritants, nasal irrigation (e.g., using a neti pot) can help clear these foreign bodies away.

Postnasal drip can also be treated with medication, but the specific drug you should use depends on what is causing your symptoms. Steroid sprays or certain antihistamines, for example, are common treatments for postnasal drip caused by allergies. If your postnasal drip is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will likely treat it with antibiotics. Decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine) and expectorants (a medication to thin the mucus, such as guaifenesin) may also be effective.

If you have persistent upper respiratory symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. He or she can help determine the cause and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Revere Health Orem Family Medicine is devoted to comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages and providing thorough and timely healthcare for the entire family throughout all stages of life.

Sources:

“Treatments for Post-Nasal Drip.” Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Harvard Health.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip

“What Is Postnasal Drip?” WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/postnasal-drip#1

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.

Is it an ear infection or something else?

Ear pain when swallowing can be extremely uncomfortable. Reasons for feeling pain when swallowing include an ear or throat infection, a dental abscess, or damage to the ear.

There are many reasons why a person’s ears might hurt when they swallow. The three most common causes of this pain are infections of the:

• ear
• nose
• throat

This article explains ear pain while swallowing in more detail and teaches the best ways to treat it. It also describes when to seek advice from a doctor.

Ear infections can be very painful. One type of ear infection is swimmer’s ear or otitis externa, which is when the ear canal’s skin becomes infected with bacteria or fungi. About 10% of people will get this in their lifetime, though it is most common in children ages 7-14.

However, the majority of cases involve bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear. This is called otitis media. It is also especially common in children. About 80% of all children will experience a case, and most cases are acute.

Ear pain with swallowing is more common with a middle ear infection because it affects the eustachian tubes. These are canals that connect the middle ear to the upper throat and nasal cavity. They also regulate pressure in the ear. Any time a person swallows, they release pressure. If the ear is infected, this can cause pain.

Symptoms

In children, a middle ear infection can cause:

• a fever
• ear pain that may get worse if they lie down
• crying and irritability
• loss of appetite
• loss of balance
• less sleep than usual
• tugging at the affected ear
• drainage of fluid from the ear
• headaches

Symptoms in adults include:

• pain
• a low grade fever
• drainage of fluid from the ear
• problems hearing

Ear infection treatment

A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the infection causes severe discomfort or symptoms do not improve within one week. The antibiotic of choice is usually amoxicillin.

Sometimes, a doctor may choose to wait on prescribing antibiotics to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance. This is because some middle ear infections can clear up on their own, particularly in adults.

While an ear infection is the most common cause of ear pain when swallowing, nose or throat infections may also be responsible.

The adenoids, which are small pads of immune tissue, grow larger in response to germs that enter the nose and mouth.

These adenoids are located close to the eustachian tubes. If the adenoids grow so large that they block the tubes, ear pain can result. This is more likely to occur in childhood when adenoids are the largest.

In this case, when a person swallows, they may also experience pain.

Learn more about enlarged adenoids.

Symptoms of a nose or throat infection

With either type of infection, a person may experience:

• throat pain that worsens when swallowing
• a cough
• a dry, scratchy throat
• redness at the back of the mouth
• bad breath
• swollen glands in the neck

Several other health problems can lead to ear pain when swallowing. They include:

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) occurs when the joint connecting the jaw bone to the skull becomes damaged. A person can experience pain when chewing, talking, or swallowing. Pain can also occur in the ears.

Treatments include painkillers, warm or cold compresses, lifestyle changes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and rest. Doctors also advise people to stop clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth if these are issues.

Earwax or an object in the ear

An earache can result from an object becoming lodged in the ear. A doctor should remove any ear obstructions.

People can use ear drops to soften a buildup of earwax. If the wax is particularly stubborn, a doctor may have to flush the ear with water.

Dental abscess

A bacterial infection can cause pus to collect in the teeth and gums. This buildup is called a dental abscess. Pain in the affected tooth is the primary symptom, but an abscess can also cause pain in the ear.

A person should receive treatment as soon as possible. The dentist can drain the pus and remove the abscess, which will reduce pain and other symptoms.

Eagle syndrome

Problems with the ligaments and bones in the neck or skull can cause Eagle syndrome. A person may experience pain in the back of the throat, face, and ears, which can worsen when they move their head.

A person may need surgery to correct the underlying problem.

Ear damage

Ear pain can also result from damage. Pushing earbuds too far into the ear canal or scraping it with a finger or cotton bud can cause the eardrum to puncture.

Most damage to the ear will heal on its own. A punctured eardrum may take several months to fully heal.

Pain in the ear when swallowing can indicate an underlying condition.

If a person also experiences any of the following symptoms, contact a doctor as soon as possible:

• a high fever
• feeling hot and shivery
• fluid leaking from the ear
• hearing loss
• swelling in or around the ear
• an earache that lasts for more than a few days
• vomiting
• a severe sore throat
• dizziness
• frequently reoccurring ear infections

Also, see a doctor immediately if the ear pain accompanies a long-term medical condition, such as diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney, or neurological disease, or an illness that weakens the immune system.

The following are answers to additional questions about ear pain when swallowing.

Can Covid-19 cause ear pain when swallowing?

Since Covid-19 is a virus, there is a possibility that contracting Covid-19 could eventually lead to a middle ear infection. This could then lead to ear pain while swallowing.

Why does my ear hurt when I chew or yawn?

Because of its impact on the eustachian tubes, an ear infection could also lead to pain while chewing or yawning. TMJ can also cause ear pain while chewing.

Why do my throat, ear, and jaw hurt?

One cause could be glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can also cause jaw pain.

Ear pain when swallowing can be very uncomfortable. However, a person can manage many of the common causes at home.

If an infection is responsible for the pain, it may go away on its own or with prescription medication.

Postoperative drainage system – recommendations for care and solution of possible problems.

The drainage system consists of a flexible tube attached to a soft plastic vessel with a stopper. The end of the drainage tube, which is round with four grooves, is inserted into the body through a small hole near the surgical incision. This area is called the insertion site. The thread (suture) holds the end of the drain in place. The rest of the tube protrudes from the body and is attached to the vessel.

Squeezing (squeezing) a vessel with a closed stopper creates a uniform low suction pressure. The vessel must always be in a compressed state, except for the moment of emptying the drain.

The duration of use of the drainage system depends on the operation performed and the amount of fluid released through the drain. It is not the same for everyone. In some people, the amount of fluid released through the drainage is large, in some it is less. The system is usually removed when the amount of fluid released through the drain is 50 ml or less in 24 hours. The amount of fluid released must be recorded in the drainage log. It is important to bring the journal with you to your doctor’s appointments for follow-up.

Drainage care

After you leave the hospital, it is important to take care of your drainage system as follows:

• clean the tube by squeezing it to remove clots;
• empty the drainage system twice a day and record the amount of fluid released through the drain in the drainage log;
• if there is more than 1 drainage system, take measurements and keep records for each of them separately, without summing up the readings;
• care for the insertion site of the tube into the skin;
• check the system for problems.

Cleaning the tube

The following steps will help clear the tube of clots and restore flow through the drain system.

Clean the tubing before emptying the system and measuring the amount of fluid produced. It is also necessary to clean the tube if you notice fluid leakage around the insertion site.

1. Wash your hands.

Wet hands with water, lather, wash for at least 20 seconds, then rinse. Dry your hands with a towel and turn off the tap with the same towel. If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply it to the entire surface of the hands and rub in until completely dry.

2. Look at the tube in the mirror. This will help you figure out where your hands should be.

3. Place the thumb and forefinger of one hand on the tube as close as possible to the site of insertion into the skin. Continue to hold the tube in this manner while cleaning it. This will ensure that you do not pull on your skin, causing pain.

4. With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, squeeze the tube directly under the fingers of the first hand. Continuing to squeeze your fingers, slide them down the tube, moving the clots towards the vessel. To make it easier for your fingers to slide through the tube, you can use alcohol wipes.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as many times as necessary to allow clots to drain from the tube into the vessel. If you are unable to remove a clot into a vessel, or if there is little or no fluid coming out, tell your doctor or nurse.

Emptying the drain

Empty the drain twice a day, morning and evening. When emptying the drainage system, follow the instructions below.

1. Prepare a clean work surface. You can use the bathroom or other room where there is a dry, uncluttered surface.

2. Prepare everything you need. You will need:

• measuring container,
• drainage magazine,
• pen or pencil.

3. Wash your hands (instructions above).

4. Remove the drainage vessel if it is attached to the surgical bodice or dressing.

5. Remove the stopper from the top of the vessel. Due to this, the vessel will straighten. Do not touch the inside of the stopper or the inside of the vessel opening.

6. Turn the container upside down and squeeze it slightly. Pour the liquid into a measuring container (see illustration).

7. Turn the vessel with the correct opening up.

8. Squeeze the vessel until the fingers of your hand touch the palm of your hand.

9. While continuing to squeeze the bottle, push the stopper back into place.

10 . Make sure the vessel remains fully compressed to ensure even low suction.

11. Do not let the drain hang loose.

• If you are wearing a surgical bra that has a plastic loop or Velcro® sewn on the bottom, attach the drainage vessel to the bra.
• If you are wearing a bandage, attach a drainage vessel to it.
• You may find it convenient to carry your drainage system in a fanny pack or pouch.

12. Check the amount and color of the liquid in the measuring container. In the first couple of days after surgery, the liquid may have a dark red tint. This is fine. As the wound heals, the fluid may turn pink or pale yellow.

13. Record the amount and color of fluid coming out of the drain in your drain log.

14 . Flush the liquid down the toilet and rinse the measuring container with water.

15. At the end of each day, count the total amount of fluid collected during the day and record it in the last column of the drainage log. If there is more than 1 drainage system, take measurements and keep records for each one separately.

System insertion site care

Watch for signs of infection.

After draining the drain, wash your hands again and inspect the area around the insertion site for the following signs:

• sensitivity;
• edema;
• pus discharge.
• sensation of warmth;
• more redness than usual. Sometimes, redness the size of a small coin forms at the site of the drainage insertion. This is fine.

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs or if your temperature rises to 38°C or higher. This may indicate an infection.

If the drain site needs to be covered with a bandage, your healthcare provider will tell you.

Keep the skin around the drain site clean.

Keep the drain site clean and dry by washing it with soap and water and then gently blotting with a towel.

Possible problems when using the drainage system

• Problem: The vessel is not compressed

Causes:

– The vessel is not compressed enough.

– The cap is not closed tightly enough.

– Tube is misaligned and leaking.

Solution:

– Squeeze the vessel following steps 3-9 in the Emptying the drain section above.

– If the vessel is still not compressed after following the steps above, call your doctor or nurse. If this happened in the evening or at night, call the next day.

• Problem: No liquid comes out. The amount of discharge decreased sharply. Drainage leaks around the insertion site of the tube into the skin or bandage over the tube.

Reason:

Sometimes filamentous clumps stick together in the tube. This can lead to blockage of fluid outflow.

Solution:

Clean the tubing following the instructions in the “Cleaning the tubing” section. If the flow of discharge does not increase, call your doctor. If this happened in the evening or at night, call the next day.

• Problem: The tube falls out of the insertion site.

Reason:

This can happen if you pull on the tube. This rarely happens because the tube is held in place with surgical sutures.

Solution: Apply a new dressing to the insertion site and call your doctor.

• Problem: redness larger than a two-ruble coin appeared around the insertion site of the drain, the insertion site is hot or pus has formed around it.

Reason:

These could be signs of infection.

Solution:

Measure body temperature. Call your doctor or nurse and describe what you see around the insertion site. Report your temperature, especially if it is 38°C or higher.

After reading the information on how to care for the drainage system, you can do it yourself. Even after you start taking care of the system yourself, you can always ask for help. Call your doctor if you have problems.

Skin care after removal of the drainage system

The drainage system is removed in the doctor’s office. A bandage is applied to the injection site.

It is important to keep the insertion site and adjacent skin areas clean and dry. This will help prevent infections and speed up the healing of the skin. Skin care after drain removal is different if you have had reconstructive surgery.

Skin care in cases where reconstructive surgery has not been performed

If you had surgery without reconstruction, after removing the drainage system, follow these recommendations:

• Remove dressing after 24 hours.
• After removing the bandage, you can shower, but do not bathe or immerse the wound in water (eg, in a bath or swimming pool) until it has completely healed and the wound has stopped draining.
• Wash area gently with soap and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a towel.
• Inspect the area, use a mirror if necessary. It is considered normal if you experience:

– slight redness;

– mild swelling;

– sensitivity;

– a small amount of clear or bloody liquid on a gauze swab.

Skin Care After Reconstructive Surgery

If you have undergone reconstructive surgery, follow these recommendations after removing the drainage system.

• Change dressings every 12 hours if necessary.
• Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower after the drain has been removed.
• Do not bathe or immerse the wound in water (such as in a bath or pool) until 6 weeks after reconstructive surgery.
• Wash area gently with soap and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a towel.
• Inspect the area, use a mirror if necessary. It is considered normal if you experience:

– slight redness;

– mild swelling;

– sensitivity;

– a small amount of clear or bloody liquid on a gauze swab.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience:

• bright red discharge;
• temperature 38°C or higher;
• increased redness, tenderness, swelling, pressure sensation or pus at the insertion site;
• skin around the surgical site is hot to the touch.

Call your doctor during business hours if:

• your drain has suddenly decreased or increased by 100 ml in the last 24 hours;
• the tube falls out of the insertion site;
• you cannot squeeze the vessel.

Drain log

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Based on Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center educational content updated August 2021

Author: Budik Yuliya Alexandrovna Surgeon-oncologist of the department of mammology

Experts on this issue

Zikiryakhodzhaev Aziz Dilshodovich

Breast oncologist, plastic surgeon

Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences.

BudikYuliya Alexandrovna

Surgical Oncologist of the Mammology Department

Candidate of Medical Sciences.

What is ear blowing? Why is it needed?

For the normal functioning of the human auditory organs, it is necessary that the pressure in his auditory tube is equal to the air pressure. What processes can affect this indicator? During breathing, part of the air enters the ear cavity and is absorbed by the mucous glands. The pressure in the cavity decreases.

One of the functions of the Eustachian tubes is their ability to balance the resulting pressure difference. However, the conductivity of the pipes may be impaired due to the narrowing of the lumen or its complete blockage. This impairs hearing. Probably, many are familiar with the feeling of stuffy ears with a sharp change in altitude and, accordingly, atmospheric pressure. This happens in an airplane during a climb, descent, or, for example, in a high-speed elevator of a high-rise building. This effect is removed due to frequent swallowing, which expands the lumen of the auditory tube. When these symptoms appear under normal conditions, it is necessary to examine and blow out the ears.

When manipulation is indicated

The Eustachian tube is the part of the middle ear that connects the tympanic cavity and the nasopharynx. The functions of this organ are: ventilation, removal of exudative fluid or, more simply, drainage, as well as protecting the ear from infections.

A number of adverse factors lead to a deterioration in the patency of the pipe, for example, sharp, frequent fluctuations in air pressure, mechanical damage to the hearing organs or their inflammation. In such cases, blowing is prescribed, which helps in the study of the Eustachian tube, even eliminates some of the problems of its functioning.

A session is scheduled if the following symptoms are present:

You should immediately contact a specialist if you experience noise or stuffiness in the ears, symptoms of autophony (increased perception of one’s own voice), heaviness in the head. If these ailments were preceded by an infectious disease, a visit to the ENT should not be postponed.

How the ears are blown

The Politzer device is a rubber bulb with a tube into which oval-shaped tips of various sizes are inserted. The doctor inserts it into the nose, gently squeezing it with his fingers to prevent air from escaping. The patient at the same time swallows or pronounces the words offered to him. The pear is compressed simultaneously with the spoken words, thus, air penetrates through the nasopharynx into the Eustachian tube, and then into the tympanic cavity.

The doctor listens through the otoscope, inserting one tip into the patient’s ear and the other into himself.

How results are evaluated

Politzer blowing is considered subjective. The results of this study are determined by evaluating the patient’s sensations and analyzing the sounds that the doctor picks up through the otoscope.

When the patient swallows or makes some sounds, the closed part of the nasopharynx is released and air passes through it. In this case, a specific noise is heard in the otoscope. By the way it sounds, the doctor concludes about the condition of the auditory tubes and their patency.

If a faint sound of free air is heard, this indicates an open lumen. A characteristic crackle may mean the development of inflammation in the ear organs. The sounds of bubbles rising to the surface indicate that exudative fluid has collected in the tympanic cavity.

Therapeutic role of the procedure

Ear blowing is used not only for diagnosing the condition of the ear organ, but also as a medical manipulation. If the patient has exudative otitis media, then it is used to remove serous fluid. At the same time, the patency of the Eustachian tube is significantly improved.

Do not be afraid of this procedure. The clinic “Betterton” uses local anesthesia of the mucous membrane, and the position of the patient’s head is chosen so that the liquid is freely excreted through his oral cavity and nasopharynx.

As a rule, children do not like such manipulations, they are capricious during their performance. But our experienced specialists will be able to choose the right purge parameters to avoid discomfort in the child and achieve the maximum therapeutic effect.

Often only a few procedures are enough to completely free the tympanic cavity from exudate. Gradually, the liquid comes out, and with it the inflammation disappears.

In severe cases of obstruction of the auditory tube, this action may not give the desired therapeutic effect. The patient’s condition improves for a short time. Nevertheless, the procedure is also useful in this case, since a kind of massage during these manipulations helps to normalize the state of the membrane. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the hearing aid.

It must be remembered that it is absolutely impossible to blow out the ears on your own! Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, at home it can be difficult to follow all its nuances. Therefore, the result is often the exact opposite – an infection will be introduced in the process, or excessive pressure will cause a rupture of the membrane.

When the procedure is contraindicated

It is forbidden to blow out the ears during an exacerbation of an infectious disease, inflammation of the nasopharynx, as well as various mental disorders. If there is mucus or purulent discharge in the nose, blowing out the ears, together with the air, we drive this liquid into the ear and lead to even more inflammation.

Non-compliance with safety precautions during manipulations or its implementation contrary to contraindications can lead to serious consequences.