Dealing with chronic sinus issues, such as constant infections, sinus headaches, a deviated septum, or chronic congestion, can be bad enough on their own, but adding the possibility of surgery can be downright terrifying. When confronted with chronic sinus issues, many people continue to reach for over-the-counter medications or home remedies for relief. The most challenging part is knowing when it’s time to discuss the possibility of sinus surgery with your doctor. Most of the time, sinus issues are a matter of minor inconvenience, but severe chronic problems can worsen without medical intervention.
Fortunately, sinus surgery is a relatively simple process, as most are considered outpatient procedures. Incisions are almost always internal, leaving no outward sign, and heal quickly. However, surgery is not the only option for chronic sinus problems, and only a health care provider can determine if surgery is truly needed. If you are unsure if your issues warrant surgery, here is a list of the most common problems that might require surgical treatments.
Chronic Sinus Issues: Is It Time for Sinus Surgery?
Sleep Apnea
When breathing problems interfere with a person’s ability to sleep can cause serious long-term medical issues. While the causes of sleep apnea can vary, the effect remains the same. When oxygen intake is hindered during sleep, the brain responds by waking us up to restore normal breathing. Depending on the source of the problem, corrective surgery is usually not needed for sleep apnea. However, if the cause is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, surgery may be the only solution.
Chronic Sinus Headaches or Infections
While most people only experience a sinus headache when dealing with a cold or the flu, chronic reoccurrences could indicate a more serious issue. A build-up of bacteria can also cause a sinus headache. At the same time, home remedies and over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, bacteria build-up, and the infections associated with them can create worse issues down the line.
Deviated Septum or Nasal Obstructions
The Creve-Coeur car accident lawyer says that deviated septum can happen after an accident. Most people are usually aware when they have a deviated septum, likely from an accident or injury. In cases of injuries, getting rear-ended in California can be easier with the help of attorneys. When the septum is damaged, it can move to either side of the nose; if it’s bad enough, it can cause difficulty breathing. However, the nasal passages are much more complicated than most people think. Besides the septum, swell bodies, turbinates, and valves all work together to allow normal breathing. Problems with breathing can be traced to areas deep within the sinuses. In these cases, surgery is usually the only remedy.
Considering sinus surgery can be confusing, intimidating, and stressful. If you are in the NYC area and considering it, contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options and answer any questions you might have.