Sinus Surgery Pain

Sinus surgery is usually recommended for chronic and recurrent sinusitis. Sinusitis refers to inflammation, as well as infection of the paranasal sinuses. There are basically four groups of paranasal sinuses, which are, maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus. Usually, inflammation and infection of the sinuses is treated with nasal sprays, decongestants, allergy medications and antibiotics. Corticosteroids are also prescribed to reduce the inflammation of the sinuses. But, if all these treatment options fail to alleviate sinus infection and inflammation, then surgery is opted for. Pain, along with bleeding and infection are some of the complications of this surgery.

Sinus Surgery
It is performed to open up the blocked sinuses. Sinusitis is characterized by inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, which can produce a lot of discomfort. Pain and tenderness around the eyes, face, nose and the forehead, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, headaches, sore throat, cough, post nasal drip, bad breath, ear pain, aching teeth and nighttime coughing are some of the common symptoms associated with chronic sinus infection. Most patients however, can manage this condition and the symptoms produced by it with medications and lifestyle changes.

Surgery is used for sinus treatment occasionally, especially in the case of severe and recurrent sinusitis. The most common surgical procedure employed for sinus infection treatment is known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Here, a specialized instrument, endoscope is inserted through the nostrils. This instrument helps the surgeon to examine the inside of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. Surgical instruments are also inserted along with the endoscope, with the help of which the surgeon removes the blockage to improve drainage, ventilation and breathing. Usually, the entire procedure is carried out through the nostrils, that is, no external incisions are made in most of the cases.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Usually, the pain associated with this surgery is well tolerated by a great majority of the patients. In fact, endoscopic sinus surgery is less invasive as compared to other conventional surgical procedures. The severity of the pain would basically depend on the nature of the surgery. More involved sinus surgery can produce greater pain than minor surgery. More commonly, people undergoing sinus surgery can get pain and nasal and sinus pressure for a few days after the surgery. The post surgery pain can imitate the pain caused by sinus infection.

The pain experienced after this surgery can be managed with pain medications. Most patients get relief from the post surgery pain after taking these pain medications for a couple of days. For severe pain, physicians may recommend higher strength pain killers. On the other hand, some individuals may not need any pain medication after sinus surgery. Usually, people who do not experience significant pain due to sinusitis are less likely to get much pain after the surgical procedure. On the other hand, individuals with septoplasty are more likely to have more pain and discomfort after endoscopic sinus surgery.

To sum up, the severity of the pain after the surgery can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any significant pain after an endoscopic sinus surgery. For some, the pain can be tolerable without medications, while others can require pain killers. However, certain pain medications should be avoided a few days before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Some such common pain killers are aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. To be on the safe side, be sure to talk to your physician before taking any pain medications. Along with medications, your physician may recommend the use of cool mist humidifier and saline nasal sprays after the surgery.