Should I have my sinuses removed? Can I take out my sinuses? Will sinus surgery help my allergies? If you suffer from chronic allergies, recurring sinus infections, sinusitis, or other sinus-related problems, the odds are pretty good that you’ve asked yourself some variation of these relatively unpleasant questions. And if you’re seriously considering sinus surgery, you’ve probably done everything you can to calm your allergies naturally and to appease your sinuses holistically.
And if you’re considering surgery because you’re having a hard time breathing or are suffering from chronic infections, you’re not alone: the CDC reports that nearly 30 million adults suffer from sinusitis. What is sinusitis, anyway? Medical News Today writes that “Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, or even an autoimmune reaction.” While the inflammation frequently resolves on its own, patients may need to change habits, practice good hygiene, make dietary changes, or visit a sinus specialist for treatment.
What is the Goal of Sinus Surgery?
Fundamentally, the point of sinus surgery is to promote proper drainage of your sinuses so you can live a healthier, productive, and more enjoyable life. In order to accomplish this, infected, damaged, or excessively swollen tissue may be removed from your sinus cavities. In some instances, bone may even be reshaped or removed to promote healthy mucus drainage. For those who have growths (polyps), removing them may also create better drainage pathways.
Generally, endoscopic surgery is preferred over traditional, scalpel-based procedures. Typically, endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a thin, illuminated instrument called an endoscope through the nose so the surgeon can remove blockages, is less invasive, less expensive, and has fewer post-procedure complications.
It’s worth noting that one of the primary benefits of nasal surgery is that by opening the sinuses, it becomes easier and more effective to deliver medications such as sprays, rinses and nebulized drugs to the affected areas. So instead of thinking of sinus surgery as a “cure” to your sinus problems, it may be wise to think of it as something you do to help promote effective ongoing medical treatment.
The American Rhinologic Society notes that “Before having endoscopic sinus surgery, patients should talk with their physicians to make sure that all reasonable medical treatments have been attempted. This list of medications that could potentially treat sinusitis is quite long. These medications include both prescription and over-the-counter treatments located at your local pharmacy. For acute sinusitis (an infection that usually occurs after a cold and lasts less than four weeks), antibiotics are the main treatment. In addition, nasal saline rinses or sprays may be used along with antibiotics.”
Is Sinus Surgery Right for Me?
Undergoing surgery is a big decision, and the last resort for many. If the following statements apply to you, surgery may be in your future:
You have persistent facial pressure and pain
You have ongoing congestion and a stuffy nose
You suffer from frequent headaches
You have a low-grade fever lasting for more than 10 days
You have pain in your upper teeth (but no dental problems have been diagnosed)
You have halitosis (bad breath)
Your nasal discharge is a thick, yellow-green
Your doctor and ear, nose, and throat specialists agree that you have chronic sinusitis.
Medications and home remedies have no effect
You suffer from sinus-related problems for more than 10-12 consecutive weeks
You’ve taken prescribed medications such as antibiotics or steroidal nose sprays for the maximum length of time.
A CT scan after treatment shows nasal polyps or obstructions that prevent drainage.
For more information about treatments for sinusitis or to learn more about sinus surgery, contact OAT today!
