Sometimes the sinuses become inflamed by bacteria, fungi, viruses or allergies. This condition is known as sinusitis and is known to cause a variety of different symptoms included but not limited to headaches, weak sense of smell, nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, and pain around the nasal area.
Sinusitis can often be cured by medicines such as antihistamines, antibiotics or decongestants. However, when the patient does not respond to these medicines or when sinusitis becomes recurrent, doctors may suggest undergoing sinus surgery.
Sinus surgery is the procedure of removing dead sinus tissues or enlarging the sinus passage to create a pathway for the drainage of the infected substances from the sinus cavities.
There are two main types of sinus surgeries that are considered with one that is reserved if either of the two don’t work for one reason or another. The first is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS for short. During FESS, endoscopes are used to remove dead tissue that is blocking the drainage of an infection.
Another type of sinus surgery is the relatively new and faster balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty involves inserting a special deflated balloon into the nostril which is then guided to the blocked area of the sinus using a wire. When the target area is reached, the balloon is inflated thus widening the sinus passage. Once the enlarged sinus reaches the appropriate size, the balloon is removed and the sinus passage will hold its new shape.
The first two procedures are considered less invasive and leave less or no scars at all. However, if these two procedures did not work, the more radical Caldwell-Luc Method may be performed. This procedure involves an incision to the upper gum, removing all dead sinus tissues and creating an opening in the nasal wall to serve as drainage.
Sinus surgeries may seem painful and costly, but if medicines do not work for you, this is the only way to relieve yourself from chronic sinusitis. By undergoing one, you do not need to tolerate recurring headaches, blocked nasal passages and other discomforts caused by sinusitis. Besides technological advancement has greatly reduced both the costs and the recover times associated with sinus surgery.
Luckily, because sinus surgeries are typically covered by health insurances and the resolution of sinusitis symptoms is so welcome, patients typically do not hesitate to move forward with this type of surgery. Call your surgeon and get the relief and peace of mind that comes from sinus surgery.
Dr. Wilson is a Dallas Tx facial and rhinoplasty surgeon. Practicing for over 15 years and specializing in Dallas rhinoplasty, he has served patients from all over the world.