When it concerns
your body’s sinuses, most of the time, you can go about as normal without it
affecting any other part of your body. However, when problems with the sinuses
arise, such as sinus infections, they can affect the quality of your daily
life, both awake and asleep.
With this in mind, if you have been recently diagnosed with sinus infection or problems, or else have been experiencing issues with your sinuses for a number of years, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about sinus surgery.
What Exactly Are Sinuses?
Essentially, your
sinuses within your body are empty and incredibly small spaces behind both your
forehead and cheekbones, which connect to the inner layers and inside of your
nose.
Sinus problems and infections, commonly referred to under the proverbial umbrella term of sinusitis, cause problems in the sinuses by making the linings of your sinuses swell and become larger and irritated. When the lining of your sinuses becomes swollen, mucus is prevented from draining into the nasal passages, as well as into your throat, in the correct way.
How To Treat Mild Sinus Infections
If you are someone
who has been diagnosed with sinus problems, but you seem to only sporadically
experience symptoms, then there are a number of ways to attempt to alleviate
these symptoms at home.
Such home
treatments, one or more of which may work to reduce the impact and severity of
a sinus infection, include but are in no way limited to the following:
·
The avoidance of
known triggers to allergies
·
Completely
refraining from smoking in any way, including secondhand smoke
·
Ensuring you get as
much rest as you need
·
Working to a proper
sleep routine and schedule
·
Increasing the volume
of water you drink on a day-to-day basis
·
Painkillers,
notably both paracetamol and ibuprofen
·
Using a saltwater
solution to ease the congestion of your sinuses by thorough cleaning
If you find that your symptoms get worse with time or constantly show up, then visiting a reputable facility such as Cross Timbers ENT in Texas is a sensible action to take. Seeking professional help to ascertain the causes of your repetitive sinus infection can help you get on the road to recovery.
Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus
surgery is the most common and most effective way to cure sinus problems, and
the procedure will be recommended by your medical doctor as and when
applicable.
To be accepted for
endoscopic sinus surgery, you will receive both a history check as well as a
thorough physical exam, and for the initial consultation regarding the
potential operation, it is crucial to inform your medical doctor of any and all
treatment you have been given for your sinuses up to this point.
Before sinus surgery, you will have your blood taken within one month of the date of the
operation, and in most cases, either a chest x-ray or an EKG will also be
conducted. Also, during the pre-surgical time, you will be prescribed oral
steroids, and you will be told not to ingest any antibiotics or aspirin.
It is also
exceedingly important to entirely refrain from smoking for a minimum of three
weeks before your surgery date and to not eat anything from midnight on the day
before your surgery.