No one wants to deal with surgery, but when issues become intolerable, you may be left without other options. When it comes to the sinuses, chronic problems are rampant for all age groups. Unfortunately, the overuse of over-the-counter drugs and home therapies can lead to under-reported and under-treated conditions that could become chronic. The only way to break this terrible circle of suffering is with the help of a professional healthcare provider. A sinus relief expert can accurately diagnose and offer treatment for the range of conditions that can result in the need for sinus surgery. If you happen to have any of the sinus surgery signs below, make an appointment with your doctor today.
Sinus Surgery Signs: Do I Need Sinus Surgery?
Recurring Severe Sinus Headaches
Most people experience sinus headaches when they have the common cold or flu. The pain and discomfort associated with these kinds of headaches could be due to the buildup of bacteria in the sinus cavities. When you have a headache that won’t stop pounding, and your face feels tender, reaching for a nasal decongestant could provide temporary relief. But when your sinus headache keeps reoccurring or becomes chronic, surgery may be required to help drain the infection. Ballon sinuplasty can offer a long-lasting remedy and is minimally invasive and simple to perform.
Repairing a Deviated Septum
Most people who have a deviated septum are aware of their condition. Deviated septums can result from a congenital anomaly, but most cases are due to physical trauma that damages the nose. When the septum is off course or “deviated,” it can cause breathing issues and, in some cases, acute pain. The good news is septoplasty sinus surgery can quickly correct this condition and return breathing to normal.
Correcting Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleeping issues are very commonly the result of breathing issues. Obstructive sleep apnea is when a patient has trouble staying asleep due to lower oxygen levels in the brain, interrupting sleep as a backstop to return breathing to normal. While lifestyle changes like weight loss and a better diet can help, severe cases require surgery to remove excess tissue to return breathing to normal.
Removing Nasal and Sinus Obstructions
The nose is a complicated organ. The sinuses comprise tissue and cavities that include the septum, valves, turbinates, and other organs that must work in concert to ensure you can breathe properly. If anything goes wrong, it can majorly impact your daily life. Nasal obstructions can make it hard to breathe through your nose and affect your sleep and, in some cases, eating and drinking. Several issues, such as chronic rhinosinusitis, benign polyps, fungal infections, and badly damaged tissue, can cause obstructions. The severity of the condition will determine the surgery required to correct it.