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How do you know if you need sinus surgery? Is it something dangerous? Take the sinus surgery quiz at the top or read more about it below.
Sinus cavities are air-filled spaces in the bones of your forehead, cheekbones and nasal areas that help humidify and filter air before it enters your nasal passages for breathing. If these cavities get blocked due to infection or some other reasons,
it can give rise to several problems like pain, pressure sensation, allergies, dryness etc. These are indications that you might need surgery for relief from symptoms caused by enlarged or infected sinuses.

What are the reasons for sinus surgery?
The reasons behind deciding to get sinus surgery are as follows:
- You might experiences swelling inside the nasal passage due to health issues like a cold or allergy.
- You have nasal polyps.
- You have recurrent infections in the nasal passages.
- You have a deviated nasal septum, a condition in which the walls of the nose are not aligned.
- You have a condition known as chronic rhinosinusitis, which is a condition in which the patient experiences an infection in the sinuses that lasts for more than 8 weeks.
The "Do I need sinus surgery quiz" will guide you through a step by step process to find out if you really need surgery.
What are sinus surgery types?
Many different types of sinus surgery procedures are performed daily. The most common procedures include:
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon passes an endoscope into your nose and mouth to view the inside of the cavities. Then, the surgeon cuts away any tissue that is blocking the flow of the nasal passages and any other cavities. This procedure can often be done under local anesthesia and can be used to treat a variety of sinus problems including chronic inflammation, polyps and tumors.
Balloon sinuplasty: If your doctor thinks that sinuplasty would be the best option for you, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. Your surgeon will insert a thin tube into your nostril and inflate a small balloon at the other end. You will then be able to breathe more easily and your sinuses will drain better as a result.
What are my options before surgery?
You can take appropriate medications for the condition, but that won’t help you get rid of the problem permanently. Sinusitis is a common ailment that affects millions of people. It is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and infected and result in nasal congestion, headaches, pressure in the face and pain.
Sinusitis can be triggered by several factors, including air pollution, allergies and upper respiratory tract infections.
- Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with salt water can help alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis. Saltwater is decongestive, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
- Medications: Common medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and other prescription medications can help reduce the inflammation caused by sinusitis.
- Using a Neti Pot: Using a neti pot to clean the nasal passages can help relieve sinusitis.
- Hot and Cold Compress: Applying hot and cold compresses to the sinuses can help reduce the swelling and pain.
- Yoga and Meditation: Yoga and meditation are excellent stress-busters that can help you maintain a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C: Consuming vitamin C can help strengthen your immune system, reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin out the mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
The sinus surgery quiz will also show you some other ways to help with sinus infection.
How long does it take to recover from sinus surgery?
The process of recovery from sinus surgery depends on the condition that requires surgery. If the surgery is performed to treat sinusitis, you can expect to recover in about two weeks. If the surgery is performed to treat chronic rhinosinusitis, you can expect to recover in about three weeks.
Patients who undergo surgery to treat sinusitis are prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Swelling is a common symptom after sinus surgery. It takes time to reduce the swelling, but it is important to use ice packs to reduce swelling.
Sinus surgery can cause pain in the face and bruise. Painkillers can be taken to reduce the pain.
Discharge: Discharge from the nose can be due to infection. The infection can be treated with antibiotics.
So what should you do now?
Sinus surgery is a common surgery, But it is important to try other options before considering sinus surgery.
First contact your doctor to have him/her take a look at your nose. After that your doctor might send you over to a ear, nose and throat specialist for further assessment.
Sources:
Clevelandclinic.org
Webmd.com