Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses which may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or allergies.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal obstruction, headache, weak sense of smell, pain around the nasal area and post-nasal drip.
Sinusitis can often be cured by medicines such as antihistamines, antibiotics or decongestants.
However, when the patient does not respond to these medicines or when sinusitis becomes recurrent, doctors may suggest undergoing sinus surgery.
Sinus surgery is the procedure of removing dead sinus tissues or enlarging the sinus passage to create a pathway for the drainage of the infected substances from the sinus cavities.
There are many types of sinus surgeries.
One of them is the Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or (FESS).
This method uses nasal endoscopes to remove dead and obstructive sinus tissues and to widen up the sinus passage.
Through this, incisions are reduced thus minimizing the number of scars left on the face.
Another type of sinus surgery is the relatively new and faster balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty involves inserting a special deflated balloon into the nostril which is then guided to the blocked area of the sinus using a wire.
When the target area is reached, the balloon is inflated thus widening the sinus passage.
Once the enlarged sinus reaches the appropriate size, the balloon is removed and the sinus passage will hold its new shape.
The first two procedures are considered less invasive and leave less or no scars at all.
However, if these two procedures did not work, the more radical Caldwell-Luc Method may be performed.
This procedure involves cutting up the upper gum, removing all dead sinus tissues and creating an opening in the nasal wall to serve as drainage.
Sinus surgeries may seem painful and costly, but if medicines do not work for you, this is the only way to relieve yourself from chronic sinusitis.
By undergoing one, you do not need to tolerate recurring headaches, blocked nasal passages and other discomforts caused by sinusitis.
If money is the problem, these kinds of operations are usually covered by your health insurance so you have nothing to be worried about.
So what are you waiting for? Go to your doctor and get rid of sinusitis once and for all.