Patient Resources

Treating Problems of the Nose and Sinuses

FAQs

Sinus and Nasal Care Questions

For your first appointment with Sinus and Nasal Specialists of Louisiana, allow 15 minutes before your appointment to complete our new patient paperwork. You can save time by downloading and pre-filling our initial forms.
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Bring with you any recent imaging studies (i.e MRI and CT scans), histopathology/biopsy results, and previous allergy/immunology assessments.

Before My First Appointment:

Will I be okay to drive home after my appointment?

Yes

Do I need to have someone attend the appointment with me?

No, this is not necessary, but you are welcome to bring a friend or family member(s) if you wish.

What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

Any scans that are relevant to your problem, some form of payment, your health insurance information.

Prior to My Surgery:

I have a cold/I have the flu. Am I still able to proceed with the surgery?

In most cases yes. If there is any doubt, your doctor and your anesthetist will make a decision on the day of surgery, but please call us in the week prior if this occurs.

What time do I need to be at the hospital?

Someone from the hospital should call you the afternoon before your scheduled procedure to advise your admission time and also confirm your fasting schedule.

After My Surgery:

Is it okay to swim after my surgery?

Usually 1-week post-surgery is sufficient and/or after your first post-operative visit. Swimming in the ocean is fine but public pools, lakes, and ponds should be avoided.

When can I resume exercise?

You should not engage in any exertional exercise in the first week. You may reintroduce walking and light aerobic activity in the second week. After 14 days, you may resume your routine regimes. When you’ve had a tumor operation, then you need to wait 3-6 weeks post-operation before performing any exercises that require heavy exertion (e.g. weight training, running, or playing sports).

When can I blow my nose?

We advise that you use the nasal irrigation instead of blowing your nose in the first 3 weeks post-surgery. That urgent sensation to blow your nose is usually a result of your nose swelling as well as post-surgical changes, neither of which are readily relieved by blowing.

When can I fly after surgery?

Usually 1 week after surgery is sufficient and/or after your first post-operative visit. Consideration needs to be given to the location to which you are flying. Please be aware that most travel insurance policies will not cover you for 6 weeks after an elective surgical procedure.

My nose feels blocked. Should I continue irrigating?

Yes. The first week after surgery is always difficult as blood clot, mucus, and swelling sometimes makes it challenging. However, the irrigation helps to reduce bleeding, remove debris, and clear the nose. This process is much easier after your first appointment.

When should I start irrigating after surgery?

Typically a patient will begin nose irrigation on the day of discharge. When an exception is to be made, you will be advised accordingly. A post-operative care information sheet with instructions will be given to you upon your discharge from the hospital. This information is also available on our website.

Preparation for Nose Lab:

What do I need to do in preparation for a challenge test?

You should avoid nasal and oral decongestants, antihistamines, and Pseudoephedrine for 7 days prior to your challenge test. Please remember to allocate at least 2 hours of your time in order for us to provide a thorough and complete assessment.

I'm having an allergy assessment. What do I need to know?

You should stop taking all antihistamines 7 days prior to your testing. There are a number of other medications, specifically blood pressure, heart, and antidepressants that should be ceased as well. It is extremely important that you contact our office within 10-14 days of your appointment to discuss this and prepare accordingly.

I’m scheduled to have a smell and/or taste assessment. What do I need to know?

Do not eat for at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Will I be okay to drive after a nasal airway assessment?

Yes.

I’m having a nasal airway assessment. What do I need to know?

You should avoid nasal decongestants (e.g Afrin etc) or any tablets containing pseudoephedrine for 7 days prior.

Contact

8585 Picardy Ave, Suite 210
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Phone:

(225) 208-3132

Fax:

(225) 246-8333

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