The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Nasal septum cauterisation
CAUTERISATION OF THE NOSE
Using heat to cauterise your septum will help deal with persistent nosebleeds
Why does a nose need to be cauterised?
Your nose is full of tiny, delicate blood vessels that can be easily damaged and bleed. Sometimes nasal bleeding can come from deeper within the nose. This can happen if you suffer a blow to the head, have had recent nasal surgery, and or your arteries start to harden (atherosclerosis).
If your consultant is are able to identify exactly where the bleeding is coming from, they may carry out a minor procedure to seal the bleeding blood vessel by cauterising (burning) it.
Need to know
Cauterising blood vessels is usually done using a stick of a chemical called silver nitrate. A local anaesthetic will be sprayed into your nose to numb it and the silver nitrate stick will be held against the bleeding point for up to 10 seconds.
Afterwards, your consultant will pack your nostrils with pads in order to stem any post-procedure bleeding. You may be recommended medication to relieve any pain you might experience.
Your consultant will explain any preparations you might need to take. You should remove any jewellery from your nose before arriving for your procedure.
Following your procedure you should avoid the following for 24 hours:
- blowing or picking your nose
- heavy lifting or strenuous exercise
- lying flat,
- drinking alcohol or hot drinks
- removing any crusts that form inside your nose
- sneezing with your mouth closed as this increases the pressure in your nose
- people with coughs and colds
If you have been given an antiseptic nasal cream, once the bleeding stops, this should be applied to the inside of your nostrils several times a day for up to two weeks, to help prevent further bleeding.
Our Nasal septum cauterisation locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.