Your trusted rhinologist is likely to collaborate with other specialists to make sure you receive the best medical care available. For chronic sinusitis that does not respond to conservative management, the next step may involve nasal surgery such as endoscopic sinus surgery.
Sinus Relief Through Surgery
Sinusitis relief is essential to patients in many cities like Denver. These patients comprise about 10 to 30 percent of the American population. The condition has a grave effect on quality of life and is treated as a complex medical issue. If the infection does not clear up on its own or respond to medication, the small air passages must be opened through a surgical procedure. Advancements in rhinology and technology allow doctors to access the interior passages with a surgical telescope. It is possible to access the deep-seated structures without cutting through facial skin and muscles. The goal of the procedure is to remove the blockage to allow for a smooth flow of air in and out of the nasal passages.
Procedural Details
Apart from the removal of blockage, sinus surgery may involve removal of mucous membranes, pieces of bone, tumors and nasal polyps. Any structure that compromises the flow of air would be assessed and removed when deemed necessary from a medical-surgical perspective.
At this point, it has become relevant to discuss nasal polyps. Perhaps, your doctor has cited their presence as the main reason for the surgical recommendation. The teardrop-shaped tissue is a swollen area of the nasal lining. A polyp may exist as a singular structure, or it may occur in clusters. The presence of clusters usually makes it difficult for the person to breathe through the nose. Large polyps are also the reason behind a person’s compromised sense of smell. Tho who tend to snore loudly may already be affected by polyps.
While polyps may be present without causing any symptoms, their presence is typically associated with sinus infections. Those with polyps along the lining of their nasal passages suffer daily from a runny nose, post-nasal drip, recurrent infection of the nasal passages, facial pain and headaches, and sleep deprivation.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After surgery, you’d be taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but do so only following your doctor’s orders. Expect the nasal passages and sinuses to be delicate after the procedure, so refrain from using the nasal spray you’ve been using. Doing so for two weeks allows for soft tissue healing.
Remember to avoid hardy lifting and straining during the first week and a half. Take a break from a strenuous exercise regimen for a couple of weeks at least. Lastly, if you get the urge to blow your nose, try not to for at least ten days after the procedure. Ask your doctor in your next consultation about other precautions and how else you can take good care of yourself post-surgery. Learn how to take good care of your sinuses as well.
Expect a quick recovery if you abide by the instructions of your surgeon. You might need to take a break from work, so be sure to make the proper arrangements. Surgery promises a world where you’d find lasting sinus relief.
