UNREVEALED CAUSE OF INTRAOPERATIVE NASAL BLEEDING: RHINITIS MEDICAMENTOSA

BOON CHİN TE, HAFİZAH HUSNA JOHARİ, ANEEZA HAMİZAN

Journal of Clinical Practice and Research - 2021;43(3):300-302

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia

 

Background: Oxymetazoline can be used as one of the methods to stop epistaxis. However, it can cause unexpected profuse intraoperative nasal bleeding. The fast–acting mechanism and usually effective decongestion effect of the medication cause patient with rhinitis misuse it. Long duration of usage of the nasal vasoconstrictors can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa. Case Report: We would like to discuss a case of a 28–year–old lady with rhinitis medicamentosa due to prolonged misuse of oxymetazoline nasal spray who underwent nasal surgery and had unexpected profuse intraoperative bleeding. Conclusion: It is important to stop the topical decongestant and maximize medical treatment for rhinitis medicamentosa before any nasal surgery.