Sinusitis affects more than 30 million Americans every year and an untold number of others around the world.Sinusitis is inflammation that occurs in and around the nasal cavity and the sinuses. These are air-filled spaces situated above the upper teeth and around the eyes can become congested, which can result in nasal discharge, tooth discomfort and facial pain.
There are other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, changes in a person’s taste and smell and worst of all, debilitating headaches. Your health care provider most likely will prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. In the event there is no relieve sinus surgery might be the only recourse you have. The good news comes from a study released in 2010 that shows more than 75 percent of people who had sinus surgery to relieve sinus pain reported feeling less pain and an increase in quality of life. The remaining participants in the study revealed that while they still were suffering, the pain was not as great or as often. Researchers cautioned that those who reported significant reductions in discomfort were those who suffered the greatest amounts of pain. Furthermore, they stressed that surgery should be a last-ditch option used only if medication has failed. And having surgery was not guarantee that a patient would gain some relief. The level of success often is based on the patient following doctor’s orders.
What is sinus surgery?
Sinus surgery involves removing diseased sinus tissue to help the blocked sinus cavity drain properly. A surgeon will create a pathway for infected mucous to drain from the cavity. When blockages occur, infections fester, and being so close to the brain, special concerns arise.
Surgeons have a number of options when accessing the sinus cavity. The most popular approach these days is to perform an endoscopic procedure, which allows a precise, targeted approach to removing blockage and creating a path for drainage. This type of procedure is less invasive and allows the patient to recover with less of a chance of problems and more promptly.According to St. Louis Sinus Center, an alternative procedure is reserved for those who suffer persistent symptoms. They said, “Surgeons will make an incision in the upper gum to access the nasal cavity and facilitate drainage. For sinus surgery to be successful and relieve the incessant and overbearing pain associated with sinus problems, post-operative care is essential.”
Reasons why surgery does not relieve pain
Your surgeon has done his/her job and rerouted your nasal canal so it drains properly and so pressure will not build up and cause headaches. Now it is up to the patient to follow instructions as recovery could take up to three weeks or so. Some of the risks involved from not following post-op care orders might result in the sinus cavity being more susceptible than even before surgery to infections, bleeding, chronic drainage and a failure to resolve the original problem. In addition to affecting sense of smell or taste, the patient might even suffer more pain around the eyes and head than before.
Increase chances of a successful surgery
Sinus surgery could last hours depending on the severity of your blockage and how extensive the cavity needs to be rerouted. Bed rest will be prescribed with the patient’s head elevated. An ice pack wrapped in a towel, to prevent a burn, will help stem any excessive bleeding. Your doctor will probably prescribe medication for pain and inflammation. Prior to surgery, the patient will learn how to remove the nasal packing and how to irrigate the nasal canal to keep it from becoming infected. This post-op care might last weeks depending on any complications. The patient’s friend during recovery is moisture and it is one of the most important factors in helping to guarantee a successful surgery to relieve pain. Keeping the nose moisturized with sprays, saline nose drops or a humidifier will help prevent congestion. Warm compresses will help relieve the pain, too.
Following doctor’s orders is crucial for recovery. If you develop a fever, can’t stop the bleeding or have sharp headache pains, consult with your health care provider.
