Sinus Pressure
What sort of problems can affect my sinuses?
Your sinuses are a system of hollow cavities inside your face and skull. These interconnected passages allow you to breathe comfortably. They also produce mucus to clear away dust, dirt, and germs.
Sometimes, your sinuses may become swollen, blocked, or infected, causing pressure in your sinuses. Many different health conditions can affect the sinuses, including:
Allergies
Infections
Deviated septum
Nasal polyps
Sinusitis is an especially common problem among both children and adults. This condition occurs when the tissues within your sinus become swollen.
Viral or bacterial infection can cause acute sinusitis. This type of sinusitis often clears up on its own, or with antibiotics. However, chronic sinusitis can cause long-term inflammation. If you have ongoing problems with sinusitis, you may need special care.
How is sinus pressure treated?
Sinus pressure can cause a stuffy nose, headaches, facial pressure, a decreased sense of smell, sore throats, clogged ears, a cough, and bad breath. You may also experience constant snot in the nose and constant throat clearing.
To treat these problems, your Beach Cities ENTS provider gives you a thorough exam. Your provider looks inside your nose to check for inflammation. You might also receive imaging tests to find out what's causing your sinus problems.
Next, your provider develops a personalized care plan. You may receive prescription pills or nasal sprays to reduce sinus inflammation. Prescription drugs can also help clear up an infection and relieve pain.
If your sinus problems don't respond to medication, you may need other treatments. In-office procedures like balloon sinuplasty can help open up blocked sinus passages. Surgery can also remove blockages and clear stubborn infections.
What happens during sinus surgery?
In the past, sinus surgery was often a very invasive procedure. Today, endoscopic techniques allow patients to receive a simple outpatient procedure. Endoscopic sinus surgeries leave no visible scars or bruising and have a low risk of complications.
If you need endoscopic sinus surgery, you receive your procedure at a qualified hospital or surgery center. The Beach Cities ENTS team helps you schedule surgery and will let you know how long your procedure will take and how long you'll need to recover.
What can I expect from the recovery process?
After surgery, you may experience some minor discomfort. Your physician might prescribe pain medication to make you more comfortable. You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for 1-2 weeks after surgery. You will also be given detailed instructions on how to clean and rinse your nose and sinuses after surgery.
Most patients who undergo surgery report less pain and fewer infections. You may also find that it is easier and more comfortable to breathe through your nose. If you have trouble with snoring or sleep apnea, these symptoms often improve or disappear after sinus surgery.
Ready to learn more about how to alleviate sinus pressure? If you need help choosing the right treatment, call Beach Cities ENTS today or schedule an appointment online.