Home > Encyclopedia of Medicine > Nasal Packing

Definition

Nasal packing is the application of gauze or cotton packs to the nasal chambers.

Purpose

The most common purpose of nasal packing is to control bleeding following surgery to the septum or nasal reconstruction and to treat chronic nosebleeds. Packing is also used to provide support to the septum after surgery.

Description

Packing is the placement of gauze or cotton into the nasal area. Packing comes in three forms, gauze, cotton balls, and preformed cotton wedges. Packing is usually coated with antibiotics and, sometimes, petrolatum. The end of the nose may be taped to keep the packings in place or to prevent the patient from pulling them out. In cases of surgery, packings are frequently removed within 24–48 hours following surgery. In the case of nosebleeds, packing is left in for extended periods of time to promote...