Chronic sinusitis is characterized by persistent inflammation and congestion in the sinuses, and it can greatly impact your quality of life. Medication and lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense, but you might find yourself wondering if surgery is the answer. In this guide, you can learn everything about the world of surgery.
- Understanding chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis impacts millions of people globally, causing a range of symptoms. Generally, you can feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead. You can sometimes feel persistent stuffiness and difficulty breathing through the nose. Some of the most common symptoms include frequent headaches that can be severe and worsen with head movement. A sensation of mucus draining down the back of your throat, leading to coughing or even throat irritation.
Medications like nasal sprays and antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for chronic sinusitis. However, their effectiveness might diminish with time, and the treatments provide only temporary relief for some people. When medications fail to help you get rid of the symptoms, it’s time for you to seek the expertise of a sinus doctor.
- Exploring sinus surgery
This surgery has advanced greatly in recent years, offering a minimally invasive procedure in which a balloon is inserted into your sinus cavity and inflated to expand the sinus opening, improving drainage and reducing inflammation. Endoscopic surgery is done using an endoscope, where experts can remove obstructions and clear the passage. The technique allows for the perfect targeting of problem areas with minimum tissue damage.
- Determining candidacy for sinus surgery
Not everybody with chronic sinus is a candidate for an operation. The expert will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best candidate for the treatment. Firstly, MRI provides detailed images of the sinus cavities, which helps you identify blockages or structural issues. The expert can directly visualize the nasal passages and openings using an endoscope. A comprehensive review of your medical history and symptoms is considered to understand the extent and impact of your condition.
The doctors will consider the severity and duration of your symptoms, which significantly impact your quality of life. Lack of improvement with medications or other non-surgical treatments can also indicate that you are a good candidate for surgery.
- Beyond surgery
Complementary therapies and lifestyle changes are essential to maximize the benefits of surgery and maintain sinus health. Regularly use nasal sprays or rinses to keep the sinus clear. Furthermore, you must continue prescribed medications to manage underlying conditions like allergies. At the same time, you must identify and avoid allergens that trigger the symptoms.
Regular checkups with your expert are vital to monitor healing and address concerns. You should also follow all the post-operative care instructions, including using and avoiding some medications.
Deciding whether operation is right for you includes careful consideration and consultation with an expert. Surgery can undoubtedly provide significant relief for many people, but you must explore all the options and understand the potential benefits and risks. Get in touch with a reliable ENT now.
