Effect of completely occlusive nasal pack versus nasal pack with airway on eustachian tube function and arterial blood gas- a randomised controlled trial

Nasal packs are usually used in case of epistaxis and after nasal surgeries to control bleeding and to support and stabilize the bony and cartilaginous structures. Due to packing, patients experience significant discomfort in the post-operative period. Bilateral nasal packing can lead to compromised Eustachian tube function. Eustachian tube patency is very important to maintain middle ear pressure and its dysfunction can lead to Eustachian tube catarrh, secretory otitis media. Nasal obstruction can lead to hypoxia, sleep apnea especially in patients with vulnerable cardiac function or poor lung capacity. Mouth breathing can also lead to imbalance in the acid- base due to disturbance in pulmonary ventilation. Some patients may experience fall in saturation when in deep sleep.

In this study, the pulmonary side effects and alterations in Eustachian tube function associated with the use of nasal packs will be evaluated.

The effect of totally occlusive nasal pack and nasal pack with airways on pulmonary and Eustachian tube function will be compared.