Are you struggling with constant stuffiness, facial pressure, and fatigue that doesn’t improve with medication? You may be among the millions of Americans suffering from chronic sinusitis, a condition that can significantly impact your quality of life.
The good news is that surgery can help you find lasting relief from the frustrating and painful symptoms of this common condition. Keep reading to learn more about when you should consider surgery for chronic sinusitis.
What is Sinusitis?
Your sinuses are the air-filled chambers surrounding your nasal passages, eyes, and cheeks. These cavities are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps germs and particles before draining out through your nose and throat.
This natural drainage mechanism is essential for maintaining sinus health. When sinusitis develops, the tissue lining these chambers becomes inflamed and swollen.
This inflammation creates a problematic cycle:
- Swollen tissues block the normal drainage pathways
- Mucus becomes trapped in the sinuses
- Increased mucus production occurs due to inflammation
- Stagnant mucus creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth
- Infection develops or worsens, further increasing inflammation
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is the persistent inflammation of your sinuses. A sinus infection is considered chronic when your symptoms last more than 12 weeks.
With chronic sinusitis, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose
- A runny nose with thick green or yellow mucus
- Facial pain and pressure
- Postnasal drip
- Sore throat
- Toothache
- Cough
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Earache
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Decreased sense of taste and smell
What is Sinus Surgery?
When less invasive approaches like saline sprays and medication fail to provide significant relief for chronic sinusitis, your ENT specialist at Chicago ENT may recommend surgery. Advanced imaging with CT or MRI scans allows our specialists to determine the root cause of your sinusitis and the most appropriate surgical approach for your specific condition.
Depending on your diagnosis, they may recommend the following sinus surgery options:
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
This advanced procedure utilizes a thin, illuminated scope with a high-definition camera, called an endoscope, to visualize the sinus cavities without external incisions. During this procedure, your ENT specialist will:
- Insert the endoscope through the natural opening of your nostril
- Identify obstructions, including polyps, scar tissue, or structural abnormalities
- Use specialized instruments to precisely remove blockages
- Enlarge natural sinus openings to improve drainage
- Address contributing factors such as deviated septum or enlarged turbinates
The procedure typically takes two hours under general anesthesia and is usually performed as outpatient surgery, allowing you to return home the same day. Endoscopic techniques minimize tissue disruption while maximizing effectiveness, leading to:
- Significantly improved nasal breathing
- Reduced frequency and severity of infections
- Decreased dependence on medications
- Better quality of life with fewer sinusitis symptoms
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. It provides quick and lasting relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms.
During balloon sinuplasty, your ENT specialist will:
- Use an endoscope to guide the insertion of a small balloon catheter into the inflamed sinus
- Gently inflate the balloon to restructure and widen the sinus pathway
- Deflate and remove the balloon
- Flush the sinus with saline to remove accumulated mucus and debris
Since there’s no cutting of tissue or bone in balloon sinuplasty, the recovery period is quicker than traditional sinus surgery. For most patients, balloon sinuplasty drastically improves the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and their quality of life.
Traditional Sinus Surgery
Conventional or traditional sinus surgery can be more effective for severe cases of chronic sinusitis. It’s a more invasive procedure that requires making an incision inside your mouth or in the face.
Working through that incision, your sinus surgeon can remove tissue and bone to widen your sinus openings and improve drainage. While traditional sinus surgery has a longer recovery time than other procedures, it often provides long-term relief from the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Is Sinus Surgery Right for Me?
If you’re suffering from persistent sinusitis symptoms even after trying other treatments, consulting with your ENT specialist at Chicago ENT is your next important step. Our board-certified otolaryngologists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including:
- Detailed medical history and symptom assessment
- Endoscopic examination of your nasal and sinus passages
- Advanced imaging studies, if needed
- Personalized treatment planning
- Discussion of all appropriate options, from continued medical therapy to surgical intervention
We believe in empowering patients with the information needed to make confident decisions about their sinus health. Our specialists will take the time to explain your condition, address your questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Experience Relief from Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis can be debilitating, but with sinus surgery at Chicago ENT, long-lasting relief can be your new normal. Your ENT specialist will perform a thorough evaluation and determine the underlying cause of your ongoing sinusitis symptoms in order to recommend the best procedure for you.
Are you tired of living with chronic sinusitis? Schedule your appointment at Chicago ENT in Chicago, IL, today to get started on your journey toward relief.
