Experiencing Blood in Phlegm and Nasal Drainage Post Oral Surgery – Is This Expected?
I’m a 21-year-old female who recently underwent oral surgery, specifically an Endodontic retreatment, on the upper left section of my jaw, towards the back. During the procedure, my oral surgeon accidentally severed an artery near my tooth, which led us to halt the surgery before its completion. Blood was gushing everywhere, necessitating immediate action. After applying pressure for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, the area was stitched using dissolvable stitches, and a hemostatic agent was applied to control the bleeding, which eventually subsided only after the application of stitches and the hemostatic solution. By the morning of the second day post-surgery, the bleeding had completely stopped. Currently, on day three, there is slight swelling on my cheek, but no apparent bruising. The site is sore, particularly when I move my mouth or smile, yet the pain is manageable and not overwhelming. There appears to be no active bleeding from the surgical area. However, I am particularly anxious about a sensation I have experienced since day one—a drainage feeling in my nose. When I lie on my right side, I notice that there seems to be liquid draining from my left nostril (the side where the surgery was performed) that trickles down my throat or into my nostrils. Last night, the sensation of fluid—presumably blood—seemed to improve, which allowed me to sleep comfortably on my right side. This morning (day three), I examined my phlegm and noticed it contained red streaks mixed with clear mucus. Even after a few hours, I observed additional red streaks. I am deeply worried about this situation and am questioning whether it is a normal occurrence. I do not experience any pain beyond what I described, but I am anxious about how long this will last and whether I should be concerned. Regarding medications, I have been prescribed a five-day course of Zithromax (Z-pak) to ward off infection, along with 800mg of ibuprofen for pain management, although I have opted not to take the ibuprofen as I find the pain quite tolerable.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 5:10:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about experiencing blood in your phlegm and nasal drainage following your recent oral surgery. While some bleeding can occur after dental procedures, especially when surgery involves areas close to the nasal passages, it’s important to understand what you are experiencing.
Overview: Blood in phlegm or drainage may sometimes occur after oral surgery due to the proximity of blood vessels, especially if there was significant bleeding during the procedure. This can lead to temporary drainage that may include slight blood streaks.
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Possible Causes: What you are experiencing could be attributed to:
- Minor bleeding from the surgical site that has mixed with mucus and is trickling down your throat.
- Irritation or swelling from the surgical area impacting nearby structures, including nasal passages, which may also cause drainage.
- It is important to know that as the area heals, you might see some blood in your drainage for a few days.
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What to Expect:
- Blood streaks in your phlegm can persist for a short period, especially as healing occurs in the mouth and surrounding areas. Given that your bleeding has stopped and swelling seems manageable, this is generally a positive sign.
- Avoiding strenuous activities, including heavy lifting or vigorous exercise, will help minimize strain on the surgical area.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the amount of blood in your drainage increases, or if you experience new symptoms such as increased swelling, severe pain, or fever, take note as those may warrant further attention.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids and consider using a humidifier in your room to keep nasal passages moist. This can reduce irritation and promote healing.
- Gentle Care: When you blow your nose or clear your throat, do so gently to avoid any additional strain on the surgical site.
- Follow Up: If you notice that the red streaks in your phlegm do not start to diminish over the next few days or if you have increasing concerns, it's a good idea to reach out to your oral surgeon or orthodontist for advice.
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious post-surgery, but keeping an eye on your symptoms while practicing gentle care will help promote healing and give you peace of mind. Your current manageable pain and the absence of active bleeding are both encouraging signs. If you have further concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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