When To Consider Sinus Surgery
Many people suffer from nasal congestion. A primary care doctor can diagnose and treat minor sinusitis, and usually nasal congestion can be treated in a matter of weeks with a prescription or over the counter medications. However, if your symptoms persist for more than twelve weeks, your infection is classified as chronic and it is best to be seen by a specialist.
Before resorting to sinus surgery, it’s important to exhaust all other medical therapies. Many times, treatments like antibiotics, sinus irrigations, or steroids can help clear up issues. If you still don’t experience relief, sinus surgery can help resolve an obstruction of the sinuses or a chronic sinus infection.
Your primary care doctor will refer you to someone called an otolaryngologist, or an ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor. This person will usually take a CT (computed tomography) scan, which can detect whether or not a sinus infection is persistent.
Your ENT will usually suggest sinus surgery if you have:
Nasal or sinus polyps
Various structural abnormalities of the nose or sinuses
A deviated septum
A sinus infection that persists
Airway obstruction
Recurring sinus infections
If left untreated, chronic sinus issues can cause:
Chronic fatigue
Asthma
Reduced vision
Infections
Facial pressure or swelling
Partial or complete loss of smell
At Marvel Clinic, there are a few different surgery options. On average, each procedure takes just 15 minutes. We offer Balloon Sinuplasty, Turbinate Reduction, Endoscopic Septoplasty, and Soft Palate Tightening, also called UPPP (short for Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). Click here to learn more about these procedures.
All minimally invasive procedures take place in our offices under full sedation. Treatments are customized to meet your needs, and usually covered by most insurances and Medicare.
To learn more about sinus surgery or to schedule a consultation, call us at 1-931-455-2005.
