Sinusitis - Can Surgery Help You Out?

Sinusitis is a swelling of the tissue lining of the sinus. Generally, a healthy sinus is filled with air, but when fluid or mucus fills the sinus, it can cause infection. The most common conditions for Sinus are the common cold, swelling of the lining of the nose, and deviated septum.

Symptoms of Sinusitis:

Patients suffering from Sinusitis should have the 2 or more of these symptoms:

1. Blocked nose

2. Facial pain

3. Nasal discharge

4. A cough

5. Nasal congestion

6. Fever

7. Tiredness

8. Reduced sense of smell

Causes of Sinusitis:

The sinus problem can be caused by bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and also by various allergy sources. The irritants in the air may cause the development of mucus in the patients which can result in Sinusitis.

Diagnosis:

The ENT doctors make the determination of Sinusitis with a physical examination. The nasal cavity is examined by doctors. If it requires a CT scan and endoscopy, it is recommended by the doctors to understand the condition of the patient. In endoscopy, a small thin, flexible tube is inserted into the patient with the camera. By imaging method, doctors determine whether a patient’s condition is mild or chronic.

Treatment:

The treatment of Sinusitis depends on several factors like the severity of the condition, the source of Sinusitis, and the use of antibiotics. If the patient has Sinusitis from more than ten days, then it is considered as chronic Sinusitis, and the patient may be required to use hospital attendance for the same.

If Sinusitis is caused due to bacteria, then the use of antibiotics is limited and will not serve the purpose. And, the fungal infection can be cured with antifungal medicines.

Surgery as a Treatment Option:

Many a time, patients with Sinusitis are advised to undergo surgery. However, Surgery is considered a last resort for the patient. If none of the treatments have eased the patients, then surgery is opted for.

Surgery is also opted for cases where patients are suffering from Sinusitis due to a deviated septum, or if there is a presence of polyps.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is performed on a patient with Sinusitis which is the primary and most common form of operation. Other medicines may also need to be performed. FESS, however, does not bring a change in the shape of the nose.

Functional endoscopy is performed on the patient by entering the endoscope in the sinus of the patient. The surgeon can remove the tissue and enlarge the sinus drain so that it does not clog in the future. They also clean the clog in the sinus which does not result in an infection.

If deviated septum is the cause of recurring infection, then a procedure is performed on a patient called septoplasty. It helps to straighten the nose of the patient to locate bone and cartilage in the right place.

Preventative Methods After Surgery:

Following preventive measures after the surgery is very much important for better result. Some of them are:

1. Follow hand hygiene.

2. Avoid smoking or drinking.

3. Warm moist air soothes the condition of Sinusitis. Hence, use a good quality humidifier.

4. Stay away from people with cold infections.

5. Maintain home devices free from mold and dust.

6. Avoid allergens and pollutants.

The most significant advantage of sinus surgery is that it cures the Sinusitis of the root and prevent the recurring infection. However, after operation, a patient needs to follow complete care instructions which help in the healing process.