What is Sinus Surgery and When is it appropriate to Consider it?

Sinusitis is a condition where your nasal lining becomes inflamed. It also causes other uncomfortable signs such as nose congestion, headaches, pressure around your face, nasal discharge, fever, and more. The condition affects your daily life, and when not treated, it can cause severe issues. Consulting with a specialist might be your only way out. The Midtown East sinus surgery specialist Richard L. Nass provides the best care to relieve your symptoms and restore your health. Here we discuss more on sinus surgery.

What is sinus surgery?

It is a surgical procedure to unblock the sinuses. Sinuses are the empty spaces in the skull that produce mucus. Mucus offers protection to your nasal passage by trapping any dirt, pollutants among other harmful substances.

Usually, you have four sinuses, including:

•       Frontal sinuses
•       Ethmoid sinuses
•       Maxillary sinuses
•       Sphenoid sinuses

They produce mucus to remove any particles and irritants along the nasal passage. Sinuses also clean the air we breathe using tiny ridges, known as turbinates.

Sinus blockage causes mucus congestion which may lead to difficulty breathing. You can treat the problem with medications, among other conservative treatments; however, sinus surgery is an effective solution when you don’t find relief.

When do you need sinus surgery?

Irritation or blockage of sinuses might occur due to various reasons, including:

•       Sinusitis
•       Nasal polyps
•       Deviated septum
•       Allergic rhinitis
•       Tumors or growths along the nasal passage

Conditions of the sinuses may cause the following symptoms

•       Difficulty breathing
•       Nasal congestion
•       Runny nose
•       Headaches
•       foul-tasting mucus
•       Facial pressure
•       coughing

Sinuses problems may also interfere with your hearing.

What does sinus surgery involve?

There are different types of sinus surgery, including:

Balloon sinuplasty

It is a non-invasive procedure where your provider places a tiny balloon in your sinuses. He then enlarges the balloon to open the passages through the nostrils. Dr. Nass then uses a saline solution to clean any mucus or pus sinuses.

Septoplasty

It is a surgical procedure to reshape and restructure the bone and cartilage found at the center of your nose, known as a septum. The procedure also helps straighten the nasal passages to promote airflow.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)

This minimally invasive procedure involves using a magnifying endoscope to have a clear image of the sinuses and take out any inflamed parts.

The above sinus surgery techniques are minimally invasive and occur through the nostrils. Hence, leaving less scarring. The procedures are also quick, and your provider may perform them as an outpatient treatment.

What to expect during recovery

The recovery period is different for everyone, based on the type of surgery conducted, your health status, and other factors. Usually, your provider may insert sterile gauze-like material into your nasal passage to manage your bleeding.

Your provider gives the necessary instructions to relieve the after-operation effects, such as:

•       fatigue
•       bleeding
•       discomfort
•       nasal congestion
•       swelling

Sinus surgery provides an effective treatment option for various sinus issues. It opens up sinuses, enhancing smooth breathing mucus flow and relieving your discomfort in your nasal passage. The procedure is entirely minimally invasive; hence you can expect fewer scars, improved recovery, and reduced treatment time. Suppose you have sinus problems? Contact Richard L. Nass, M.D. today for lasting solutions.