Which symptom may indicate bleeding after nasal surgery even if the nasal drip pad is dry?

Repeated swallowing can be an important symptom indicating potential bleeding after nasal surgery. This behavior often occurs when blood from the nasal cavity is swallowed, which may happen even if the nasal drip pad appears dry. Patients may subconsciously swallow to clear blood from the throat or because of the taste of blood, indicating that there is bleeding occurring in the postnasal area despite the external appearance being seemingly normal.

In a post-operative context, when the nasal passages have been manipulated or altered, it is common for patients to experience some bleeding. If the bleeding is significant enough, it will trickle down the throat, prompting the individual to swallow frequently. This symptom can serve as an early warning sign for healthcare providers that intervention may be necessary to address the bleeding.

Understanding this symptom allows caregivers to monitor patients more closely and take appropriate actions if bleeding is suspected, ensuring patient safety and effective recovery following nasal surgery.