What is an appropriate non-pharmacological measure to control swelling post nasal surgery?

Applying cold compresses is an effective non-pharmacological measure for controlling swelling after nasal surgery. Cold therapy is known to reduce inflammation and provide a numbing effect, which can help minimize pain and swelling in the postoperative area. When cold compresses are applied, they cause vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow to the swollen area, thus reducing edema.

On the other hand, the use of heat pads can potentially exacerbate swelling by promoting increased blood flow and inflammation in the area. Ingesting warm fluids and taking hot showers may provide comfort but are not effective in reducing swelling since they can lead to vessel dilation, which does not aid in controlling the edema that often follows surgical procedures. Therefore, applying cold compresses is the most appropriate method to manage swelling post-nasal surgery.