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What Causes Headaches And Clear Nasal Drainage After Colonoscopy?
Question: Hi and thank you. I had a colonoscopy and polyps were removed under general anesthesia. That was 3 days ago. I have had rt. Side headache as well as clear nasal drainage and rt watery eyes since I awoke. Is this normal
Brief Answer:
infection or allergic response
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The right sided headache, nasal discharge and watery eyes imply likely sinus congestion.
This can occur as a result of allergic reaction or due to infection (viral or bacterial).
The allergic reaction can be secondary to -medication, environmental allergens (pets, pollen, dust), food etc
If it was related to the medication used during the colonoscopy, it would have occurred sooner than 3 days. A reaction would normally occur within 48 hours, usually by the first 24 hours.
These symptoms may either be an allergic response to another agent or due to viral or bacterial infection. If it is related to infection, viral is more likely since it is more common and also the discharge is clear.
The use of oral and topical decongestants combined with antihistamines and pain killers would help.
Anti inflammatory pain killers , unless have a history of allergies to them, would be best- eg ibuprofen, naproxen etc
Topical decongestants include normal saline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline
Oral decongestants and antihistamines can be found combined in cold or allergy meds
All of the above would be available over the counter
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
infection or allergic response
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The right sided headache, nasal discharge and watery eyes imply likely sinus congestion.
This can occur as a result of allergic reaction or due to infection (viral or bacterial).
The allergic reaction can be secondary to -medication, environmental allergens (pets, pollen, dust), food etc
If it was related to the medication used during the colonoscopy, it would have occurred sooner than 3 days. A reaction would normally occur within 48 hours, usually by the first 24 hours.
These symptoms may either be an allergic response to another agent or due to viral or bacterial infection. If it is related to infection, viral is more likely since it is more common and also the discharge is clear.
The use of oral and topical decongestants combined with antihistamines and pain killers would help.
Anti inflammatory pain killers , unless have a history of allergies to them, would be best- eg ibuprofen, naproxen etc
Topical decongestants include normal saline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline
Oral decongestants and antihistamines can be found combined in cold or allergy meds
All of the above would be available over the counter
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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