My Sinus Is Blocked
Sinusitis is when the sinuses are blocked due to an infection or inflammation. Sinusitis can be classified into acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent. Sinusitis becomes chronic when the duration is more than 12 weeks. Sinuses get blocked due to an accumulation of fluid, causing inflamed sinuses.
How to unblock my sinus?
There are several treatment options for chronic sinusitis. The treatment also depends on the cause of sinusitis. The initial management is saline nasal irrigation, nasal steroids, and oral or injectable steroids. Steroids help to decrease sinus inflammation while nasal irrigation washes away any irritants and lessens drainage.
Treatment based on the trigger
Sometimes treatment is given based on the cause that triggers sinusitis such as antibiotics, antifungal treatment, and aspirin desensitization. In case of an allergic cause, allergy medications and immunotherapy may be given to the patient. Sinus surgery is reserved if conservative treatments are unsuccessful. The healthcare provider decides to treat a patient’s chronic sinusitis.
Exploring my sinuses
Sinus surgery is the last resort if no other treatment works. There are different kinds of sinus surgery but the common one is endoscopic sinus surgery. Other kinds of surgery include balloon sinuplasty and turbinate reduction surgery. After receiving anesthesia, the doctor will use an endoscope to better view the sinus passages. The doctor will then surgically remove any tissue or polyp that is blocking the passage.
After exploring, what are the risks?
Risks after sinus surgery are not common but following the doctor’s instructions will help lessen the risks. Some complications include bleeding, reduced sense of smell, and possible eyesight problems. Any headache, high fever, or eye symptoms experienced need medical attention immediately.
Typical recovery time
A patient can usually resume normal activity after 5 days but this varies from person to person. However, take precautions and do not do strenuous activities that may increase blood pressure. Avoid nose blowing for 4-7 days after surgery as blowing could prevent the sinuses from healing. Follow up with the healthcare provider and ask about precautions and allowed activities.
Pain medications can help
While recovering, the healthcare provider will prescribe some pain medications and steroids. The doctor may also recommend a saline spray right after surgery to keep the sinus passages moist. The spray will help heal the sinuses and prevent unnecessary crusts from forming.
Is life normal after surgery?
After sinus surgery, many people have reported favorable outcomes. Many patients felt symptoms greatly improved and were able to breathe normally. Patients reported a better sense of smell and fewer occurrences of infections. Speak to the doctor about treatment options, possible risks, and outcomes for chronic sinusitis.
