What are sinuses?
Sinuses are hollow air spaces or tissue linings inside your head and nose that clean out bacteria and germs that enter your system as you breathe. They also produce mucus, which is a fluid that traps the germ particles and passes through your nose.
Sinus Surgery
Sometimes, the swelling and inflammation of this region blocks the pathways and makes its hard for the fluid to pass through sometimes. You call this condition sinusitis. It causes irritation in your nose, swollen eyes, congestion, continuous cold and stuffiness. In some cases, sinusitis gets severe. It becomes hard to treat and that’s when the need for a surgery strikes in.
Sinus surgery aims to open the blocked pathways and clear the way for the mucus to pass through with ease. Initially, doctors try other easy ways of treatment and home remedies. Surgery becomes necessary, when nothing else seems to work and the sinusitis keeps coming back; recurrent sinus infection. Surgery is usually the last resort. Also, anyone who has an abnormal sinus structure (septum deviation) would have to undergo surgery.
Sinus Surgery Options
Functional endoscopic Surgery; this surgery involves inserting an endoscope, which is a thin tube like tool, into the patient’s nose. Doctors remove the substances or tissues that come in the way and block the pathway with the help of this tool and micro-telescopes. It may cause discomfort and irritation but only for a short period. The patient is under the influence of anesthesia during the procedure.
Thanks to the advancements in medical sciences, Balloon Sinuplasty is another recent procedure option that helps get rid of sinus problems. This also involves the inserting of a tube inside your nose, but the only difference in this procedure is that there is a balloon on one end of the tube.
Once properly inserted, the doctor inflates the balloon that clears out the blockages. This procedure is safe and quite famous for how effective it is. Some doctors say that it is the best for congestion and sinus related problems.
Recovery
The procedure may take 4 to 5 hours to complete. Doctors recommend sleepy or resting with the head elevated. An ice pack helps stop the bleeding, that is very normal after surgery. The nose tends to bleed, so you have to be calm. However, if bleeding gets uncontrollable, nasal packing is there as an option. Nasal packing is a gauze like sheet that is sterile and it helps stop bleeding.
It takes about a week to recover completely but can take more time if other factors such as age or diabetic conditions are present. Also, mild discomfort and fatigue is normal after the procedure. It is vital to be extra careful about your hygiene after the surgery. Make sure your surroundings are germ free. Use a humidifier to filter out bacteria present in the air, so you breathe in pure air. Also, do deep inhaling exercises in the morning after a refreshing walk in the park.
Bottom-Line
It is not wise to suffer in silence. If you are someone who has sinusitis symptoms and you can’t seem to figure out the reasons behind your stubborn congestion and stuffiness, seek professional help immediately. Don’t worry because your help is near.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Burnett, top Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in NYC.
