Chronic rhinosinusitis can leave you feeling absolutely miserable, year-round. Cold and flu season can take a huge toll. Seasonal allergies can leave you without energy.
Whether the cause of your chronic rhinosinusitis is an infection, allergies or some other type of inflammatory disorder, a consultation with an ENT can offer solutions.
Signs of chronic rhinosinusitis
The signs of this condition are so varied that they are often overlooked and mistaken for other underlying conditions. This, unfortunately, means that too many patients simply don’t get the treatment that they need for the right problem.
According to ENT specialist Dr. Cleland, a renowned Nasal technology development services expert the signs of chronic rhinosinusitis can be readily recognized once you start piecing them all together. They could include the following.
- The
duration of the symptoms typically lasts eight to twelve weeks, sometimes
longer without treatment - Persistent
inflammation in the sinuses - Congestion
and nasal obstruction with drainage - Facial
pain and pressure - Decreased
sense of smell and taste - Drops
in mood and energy levels - Persistent
headaches, coughs, halitosis, fever and unexplained dental pain
Treatment options
Treating chronic rhinosinusitis can be handled in a number of ways. The first is to, of course, treat any infection that might have flared up. Antibiotic treatment should resolve the infection within a few weeks. If treating the underlying cause of the inflammation and infections do not work, other options will need to be explored. Most doctors will prefer non-surgical treatment options, which could include allergy medications to help prevent inflammation as a result of an allergic reaction.
If non-surgical options are not going to resolve the issue, it is at this point that patients can be evaluated for candidacy for sinus surgery. Clearing the inflamed nasal and sinus passages through surgery can allow for the normal drainage of mucus. This can reduce facial pain and pressure, while also restoring the patient’s sense of smell and taste. It can also help patients to breathe easier.
What to expect from sinus surgery?
The surgery is performed using nasal endoscope while the patient is under general anesthesia. Endoscopic sinus surgery will typically take around two hours to complete. It’s performed on an outpatient basis, so patients will not need an overnight stay in the hospital. Because there are no visible external incisions, there will be no visible bruising or swelling of the face after the procedure.
Some patients may have nasal polyps that are partially responsible for their chronic rhinosinusitis. These will be removed during the surgical procedure. The steps for each surgery may differ, as each patient’s needs will differ.
Recovering from sinus surgery
After the surgery, sterile nasal packing may be placed inside of the nasal passage in order to control any bleeding. The type of packing used will depend largely on the type of sinus surgery that was performed. Many types will dissolve over time, while others will need to be removed by a doctor.
The recovery period can vary based upon the surgery that was performed, and on other factors such as the age and the general health of the patient. Little to no discomfort is expected after sinus surgery, but any discomfort can be typically managed with over the counter pain relievers. Patients may also experience a bit of nasal congestion and some minor bleeding. It’s important to closely follow the postoperative instructions provided by the surgical team. Take all prescribed medications and be sure to take it easy on the activities for one to two weeks after the surgery.