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Recurrent sinus infections, pain and pressure at the base of the nose, chronic runny nose – these kinds of symptoms should prompt us to visit an ENT specialist. When may conservative treatment be sufficient, and at what point will surgical intervention be necessary? Check what are the indications for sinus surgery.
Where do sinus problems come from?
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities that lie inside the bones of the skull. They have many different functions, ranging from humidifying the air you breathe in to protecting your skull from injury.
The sinuses are lined with a mucosa which becomes swollen when inflamed. When this happens, mucus builds up and the infection spreads. This, due to the difficult location of the sinuses, is not easy to heal.
- What are the main causes of sinusitis?
If left untreated, however, it likes to relapse. And when you’re dealing with a crooked nasal septum or allergic rhinitis, sinus problems are a must. Both of these factors lead to the narrowing of the sinus orifices, which affects the formation and persistence of inflammation.
Symptoms of sinusitis
Once it becomes infected, some characteristic symptoms appear. They include mainly:
- stuffy nose
- pain at the root of the nose, which increases when you bend over
- worsening of the sense of smell,
- thick discharge running down the back of the throat.
In acute sinusitis, fever may be associated with these symptoms. Chronic inflammation is characterized by similar symptoms, albeit to a lesser degree.
Treatment of the sinuses
Doctors often refer patients to CT scans for chronic sinusitis. This examination is able to show both inflammation in the mucosa and anatomical changes.
Another examination performed by specialists is endoscopy, which consists in inserting a thin endoscope with a camera. This makes it possible to assess the condition of hard-to-reach places, e.g. sinus openings or the deeper part of the nasal septum.
If the specialist does not find any serious deviations from the norm, he will certainly recommend pharmacological treatment: preparations that thin the secretion, have anti-inflammatory and decongestants, and if necessary – antibiotics.
- How can I prevent oral mucositis?
Indications for sinus surgery
When conservative measures do not help and the sinusitis persists or recurs, the specialist may suggest a number of different solutions for the patient. Sinus irrigation using the Proetz method or ballooning are relatively minimally invasive techniques that help restore the patency of the sinuses. However, it may happen that surgery is the only way to get rid of persistent ailments.
Chronic or constantly recurring sinusitis is the main indication for surgical intervention. Also eligible for the procedure are persons with an abnormal anatomical structure (curved septum) and nasal polyps.
Treatment methods
Currently, the sinuses are most often operated using the endoscopic method. During the FEOZ procedure (short for functional endoscopic sinus surgery), pathological changes are removed using special micro-tools. Additionally, you can widen the natural mouths of the bays. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
In the case of severe curvature of the nasal septum, an operation called septoplasty is performed. It can be performed with the classical or endoscopic technique. Nasal polyps are also removed endoscopically. Such changes are sometimes also laser cut.
How much does the surgery cost?
The average cost of endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses (FEOZ) is PLN 6300. Endoscopic correction of the nasal septum curve costs from PLN 2900 to PLN 7000. The procedure performed by the open method is more expensive – prices start from 3800 and end at PLN 8600.
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