Sinus Surgery
Sinuses or usually referred to as paranasal sinuses are air filled pockets that are located in the head. Frontal sinuses (located in the forehead), maxillary sinuses (located under the eyes), ethmoid sinuses (located between the eyes and the nose) and sphenoid sinuses (located at the middle of the skull) are four pairs of sinuses located in the skull.
Sinuses have several functions. Few of the most common functions include air circulation and nose lubrication. These functions help maintain the cleanliness of the nose.
Sinuses have special cells called mucosa, a moist tissue that helps emit mucus. The mucus is then driven out with the help of cilia, a hair-like structure that helps filter mucus fluid.
The paranasal sinuses or the sinuses are all joined to the nasal cavity through small openings or referred to as ostia.
Causes
Sinusitis is usually caused by allergies, infections or obstruction of the passageway and may lead to inflammation. If the sinuses are inflamed, the mucus will get thicker thus, mucus builds up in the sinuses. Blockage of sinuses may also be caused by a thick mucosa called polyp and if left untreated, it can result to recurrent infections. Few other causes of sinus blockage are inflammation of the turbinate or deviated septum (a wall dividing the cavity), which can either be congenital or acquired.
Symptoms
Symptoms of swollen sinuses may include headache, fever, facial pain, tender cheeks and voice change.
Sinusitis Prevention and Treatment
Medical treatment of sinusitis is done by giving appropriate antibiotics, saline lavage, and most recently intra nasal corticosteroids.
A sinus surgery is needed if the obstruction interferes with a person’s daily activities. Treatment and procedure may vary depending on the patient’s case.
Surgery is the safest way to remove the obstruction of sinuses. Common surgery procedures may include polyps removal, broadening the hole that drains the sinuses, removal of the wall between the sinuses, creating new opening in the sinuses and repairing deviated septum. Usually the surgery uses a scope wherein the procedure is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Procedures are usually a one day surgery under general anesthesia.
Drinking lots of fluids, following medications or using apparatus such as humidifiers can prevent or relieve sinusitis. A patient’s sinusitis caused by allergies should stay away from allergens that triggered their allergies such as dust, animals, plants, etc.
A visit to an ENT specialist will help diagnose the condition through blood tests, allergy tests, CAT scan and X-rays. This will help prevent further development of the patient’s medical condition.
