Sinusitis affects many people and might lead to the need for surgery when it is recurrent and fails to respond to conservative treatments. Sinus surgery offers a permanent solution to breathing issues and other complications of sinus infection. In Houston Sinus Surgery specialists help patients understand if surgery is the right course of treatment to restore their quality of life. You might benefit from the different types of sinus surgery based on your symptoms and overall needs. See for more information about sinus surgery to learn how it can benefit you.
When is Sinus Surgery Necessary?
Sinus infections can be treated through several medications and therapies. Surgery is not the first line of defense against sinusitis, and your doctor will first employ conservative and nonsurgical options to manage your symptoms. However, there might be no other option when the situation is recurrent, impairs your breathing, and significantly affects the quality of your life. Your doctor will discuss the available surgical options to determine the right one for you.
Types of Sinus Surgery
You can benefit from several procedures when surgery is the best treatment option for your symptoms. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty are the two most common and effective operations your doctor can recommend. Balloon sinuplasty involves the insertion of a balloon catheter to open clogged veins. It can be used alongside other therapies where necessary. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is employed mainly where there is a need to correct structural abnormalities in your nose alongside resolving sinusitis. Sinus ostial dilation surgery and turbinate reduction surgery are the other procedures you can benefit from.
Preparations for Sinus Surgery
If your doctor has recommended surgery to manage your sinusitis, the next step is getting ready for the operation. Ensure you consult your doctor to understand the dos and don’ts during preparation. You might have to stop taking over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for about a week before your operation. You might also be needed to rinse your sinus passages. Anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and it would be better to arrange for a ride from the hospital.
Recovery
You do not need an overnight hospital stay after sinus surgery; most of the recovery will happen at home. Therefore, pay attention to your doctor’s instructions and be keen to follow the details. Remember that you cannot drive yourself home, so it is necessary to plan for your ride before. Your doctor will instruct you on the follow-up care you should seek to ensure your sinuses heal properly. You might need about five days of regular physical activity to limit your blood pressure and heart rate. Wait for your doctor’s clearance before you are back running or weight lifting.
Common Side Effects
Sinus surgery is safe and proven effective, and there are fewer chances of severe complications. However, it is normal to experience mucus or nasal dripping, which appears bloody. Although it can be tempting to blow your nose, you must overcome the feeling for about 4-7 days. Blowing the nose can interfere with the healing of the delicate sinuses and cause complications. Your doctor will schedule post operative appointments to help you through your recovery and help you clear the nasal passages.
Learn if you can benefit from sinus surgery from the Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor and Sinus specialist in Houston. Make a call or get online for your appointment booking.
