The Comprehensive Guide to Sinus Surgery

Why Sinus Surgery Might be the Breath of Fresh Air You Need Sinusitis, an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, can be a debilitating condition. When sinus openings become blocked, they can't drain, leading to a buildup of mucus and potential infections. While many individuals find relief with medication or nasal sprays, others suffer chronically with no lasting relief. That's where sinus surgery steps in. Let's delve into why sinus surgery might just be the breath of fresh air you've been searching for. The Sinus Struggle: Understanding Chronic Sinusitis Chronic sinusitis isn’t just the occasional stuffy nose or sinus headache. It’s a persistent condition lasting 12 weeks or more, even with treatment attempts. Symptoms can range from nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, and facial pain to a reduced sense of smell and cough. The causes might include nasal polyps, a deviated nasal septum, or infections. Conservative Treatments: The First Steps Before surgery is even considered, conservative treatments are the go-to solution. These may include:Nasal Corticosteroids: Sprays to prevent and treat inflammation.Saline Nasal Irrigation: Rinses that clear the nasal passages.Oral or Injected Corticosteroids: Especially for severe symptoms or nasal polyps.Antibiotics: If there’s a bacterial infection.However, if these treatments don't provide relief, or if the sinusitis keeps returning, it might be time to consider a surgical approach. When Sinus Surgery Becomes an Option Structural Issues Exist: Such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.Infections are Recurring: Chronic sinusitis can lead to repeated infections if not addressed.Quality of Life is Impacted: When sinusitis hampers daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being.Other Treatments Fail: If antibiotics, nasal steroids, and other treatments don’t alleviate the symptoms. Types of Sinus Surgery in Singapore Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) Description: This is a less invasive procedure than traditional sinus surgery. A small balloon is inserted into the sinus passage and then inflated to expand the sinus opening, aiding in drainage and function.Best For: Patients with chronic sinusitis where inflammation and blockage are the primary issues. Septoplasty Description: This procedure corrects a deviated septum by straightening it. While not a sinus surgery per se, a deviated septum can exacerbate sinus issues.Best For: Patients whose primary issue is a deviated septum leading to blockage and breathing issues. Turbinate Reduction Description: Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that humidify and clean the air you breathe. Sometimes, they can become enlarged and affect breathing. This procedure reduces the size of the turbinates.Best For: Those suffering from chronic nasal congestion due to enlarged turbinates. Sinus Ostium Enlargement Surgery Description: This involves enlarging the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses to help mucus clear more efficiently.Best For: Patients with consistent blockages in the sinus pathways. Ethmoidectomy Description: This surgery focuses on removing the ethmoid sinuses' walls (located between the eyes and the bridge of the nose). It's done to increase airflow and drainage.Best For: Those with chronic sinusitis centered in the ethmoid sinuses or with polyps in this area. Sphenoid Sinus Surgery Description: This procedure focuses on the sphenoid sinuses, located deep within the skull…