Sinus Surgery

The presence of a cold or a possible allergy attack could indicate sinusitis. In fact, it is interesting to note that it one of the most common health conditions in the world. Many people do not even see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment because the symptoms are similar to those of a common cold! When the sinus cavities get infected with bacteria, the condition is referred to as sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis needs to be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, unlike a common cold. The condition is triggered off by the collection of mucus in the sinus, which further drains into the nasal passage. When the sinus is inflamed and unable to drain, the resultant congestion and infection leads to the need to x-ray the sinuses and obtain a sample of the nasal discharge for testing and at times, sinus surgery and the strictly monitored, post operative sinus surgery healing.

Chronic sinusitis is when the infection persists. Even though the symptoms of chronic sinusitis may appear less severe than those associated with the acute stage, if left untreated, it can lead to damage of the sinuses and cheekbones. Sometimes, depending on the amount of damage, sinus surgery becomes unavoidable. The treatment for sinusitis includes the use of antibiotics. In addition, depending on the stage of the infection, doctors also advise the use of an oral or nasal spray or a drop decongestant. The therapy also includes steam inhalation and the use of saline nasal sprays or drops to relieve the accompanying discomfort.

When the infection-causing bacteria sometimes become immune to the antibiotics prescribed, the condition is referred to as ‘antibiotic-resistant sinusitis’. This is challenging to treat. In the presence of physical obstructions observed, sinus surgery becomes necessary to remove the obstructions. Sinus surgery is considered only if medical treatment fails. The type of surgery involves considering surgery under the upper lip or behind the eyebrow. Sinus surgery can also be performed next to the nose or scalp or inside the nose. Sinus surgery is also clinically referred to as FESS or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. In FESS or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, the surgeon looks directly into the nose, and removes the diseased tissue and polyps.

Through Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or FESS, the narrow channels between the sinuses are cleared. It is a joint decision taken by the patient and the surgeon, whether local or general anesthesia is to be used for the surgery. The surgeon usually spells out details on realistic expectations post surgery, recovery time and post-operative care, prior to the operation. The sinus surgery healing is a cooperative effort made by the patient and physician. It is very important to follow pre and post-operative sinus surgery healing instructions. To avoid the antibiotics and surgery, it is good to be educated on the condition and prevent the onset. In order to avoid developing sinusitis, you need to ensure that the sinuses are kept clear always. This can be achieved with a little care and careful monitoring on your part.

It helps a lot to use an oral decongestant or a nasal spray decongestant, when you feel the onset of the symptoms. When blowing your nose, you should do so gently, blocking one nostril and blowing through the other, in turn. Another sure shot way of preventing the onset of sinusitis is by drinking a lot of fluids. This helps to keep the nasal discharge thin. If you have clinically proven allergies, you should be extra careful to avoid the undesired contact with the things that trigger the allergy attacks. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescribed antihistamines and nasal sprays that are very effective in controlling allergy attacks. A little precaution rules out the onset of severity of the condition and subsequently, sinus treatment and sinus surgery.

The condition is usually preceded by a cold or allergy attack and even irritation by the ever increasing environmental pollutants. To prevent the condition from setting in, you need to be careful with the environment you usually expose yourself to and avoid any diet component that triggers off an allergy. This enables you to rule out infection and prevent future complications.