The sinuses are a group of cavities that surround the nasal passages. The sinus system includes not only the passages under your nose, but also the sinus cavities behind your forehead and eyes. The average person has eight sinus cavities.

Problems with the sinus system include a thickened lining, polyps (growths), and recurring infections. Some people are born with sinuses that are oddly formed. All of these problems will make breathing difficult. In certain cases, sinus surgery is the most common cure for sinus issues. So in this article, Dr. Pradeep who is working with one of the best Visakhapatnam based ENT hospital will discuss everything you should know about sinus surgery.

Types of sinus surgery include:

• functional endoscopic surgery
• turbinate reduction surgery
• balloon sinuplasty
• sinus ostial dilation surgery

Procedures for Sinus Surgery

The following are the measures involved in a sinus surgery procedure:

• Either local or general anesthesia will be used on
• A tiny telescope will be inserted into your sinuses to allow the surgeon

to see exactly what’s going on as they operate.

• The doctor would then operate on the sinuses to remove blockages, small pieces of bone, or
• You can feel some pressure or hear the doctor extracting stuff from your sinus system if you’re under local anesthesia. This sounds close to the noise you might hear at the dentist when getting a cavity
• During certain sinus surgeries, a small balloon is used to expand the sinuses. Your doctor may also recommend fixing the direction of your septum during surgery, depending on the shape of your sinuses. This can make it easier for you to breathe after you’ve

How to prepare for sinus surgery?

For a week before your sinus surgery, you can stop taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin. People should not be off their medications for too long following such procedures, such as a heart stent. To be healthy, inquire about the duration the surgeon expects you to be off your medications. Start irrigating the sinuses with a saline spray as well.

Sinus surgery risks and possible complications

Sinus surgery, like any other medical procedure, carries risks.

Sinus surgery has a low chance of severe complications. It’s possible that you’ll have a bit of bleeding after the surgery. You can require a blood transfusion if you bleed excessively. Some may have difficulties with their vision or their sense of smell. Any ethmoid sinus surgery has the potential to cause a leak in the fluid that covers your brain. This will necessitate further surgery to correct.

After your surgery, you can contact your doctor if you have a bad headache that won’t go down, redness or swelling around your eyes, or a high fever (greater than 100.4°F). They’ll most likely want to see you just to make sure you don’t have an infection.

By following your doctor’s orders, you will reduce your risk of complications after surgery. You can also monitor your activity levels for the next three weeks.

Recovery

After sinus surgery, you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. However, you can arrange for someone to drive you home after the treatment. You will be unable to drive on your own.

Follow-up treatment is essential after sinus surgery to ensure that the sinuses heal properly. You may need up to five days to feel ready  to resume your daily physical activity. Until you get approval from your doctor, you can stop things that raise your blood pressure, such as weight lifting and running.

Medications

During your recovery, you’ll need to take pain relievers that your doctor has prescribed. Corticosteroids can also be administered. Aspirin and ibuprofen, both available over-the-counter, can affect your blood pressure. This isn’t necessarily a good idea.

After the surgery, you’ll need to use a saline solution to keep the sinus passages moist. When the sinuses heal, the spray can prevent blood crusts from forming and blocking them.

The most common side effects and how to recover

You’ll probably have some nasal dripping or bloody mucus, which is absolutely natural. However, for the first 4 to 7 days after surgery, you must refrain from blowing your nose. Blowing may cause the sinuses to become irritated as they heal.

Your doctor can place nasal packs at the surgery site and remove them in the days following the procedure. You will be asked to make a few postoperative appointments by your doctor. They can safely and gently clear your nasal passages.

The majority of patients who have sinus surgery say that their symptoms have substantially improved as a result of the operation. They can breathe more easily, have less infections, and have a better sense of smell. For many people who suffer from sinus infections and respiratory issues, this surgery is well worth the small risks it entails.