Sinus Surgery: Treatment for Breathing & Sinus Issues
Some breathing and sinus issues are caused by blockages in the sinuses. Our ear, nose and throat physicians in Phoenix may recommend sinus surgery as a treatment for breathing and sinus issues if other treatment methods have not been successful.
What Causes Sinus Blockages?
Your sinuses can become blocked for a variety of reasons including:
- Nasal polyps: noncancerous, painless growths that grow on the lining of your sinuses. You may or may not know they are present but they can cause breathing problems if they grow large.
- Chronic sinusitis: infected, inflamed tissue that lasts for 3 months or longer.
- Nasal tumor: benign or malignant tumors can grow in the nasal cavity or in the sinus chambers around your nose.
- Deviated septum: crooked bone and cartilage that runs between your nostrils.
- Enlarged nasal turbinates: 3 bony structures that are covered in tissue that can become inflamed.
The goal of sinus surgery is to allow air to flow freely through your nose and allow for normal sinus drainage.
What to Expect During Sinus Surgery
At Biltmore ENT, our team performs endoscopic sinus surgery as an outpatient procedure. The procedure beings with general anesthesia. The endoscope (small, thin camera rod with a light) is inserted into your nose to allow your doctor to view the treatment area.
We use specialized surgical instruments created by Stryker to remove blockages. If necessary, a deviated septum can also be corrected during the procedure. This surgery may take 1-3 hours.
What to Expect After Sinus Surgery
You will receive instructions for using nasal irrigation to prevent infection and keep the sinuses clear. These saline washes and medications we prescribe will be very important in your healing process. Most patients require several days off from work or school after sinus surgery. You will want to sleep with your head elevated and take a break from strenuous activities until you are fully healed.
It may take a few weeks or months to experience the final results of sinus surgery.
You Have Questions: We Have Answers
When you come in for your appointment, we’ll cover commonly asked questions about sinus surgery such as:
- Where are sinuses?
- What is sinus surgery?
- Is sinus surgery safe?
- How long is recovery after sinus surgery?
- And many more
To find out if you have a blockage in your sinuses and if sinus surgery in Phoenix is the right treatment to improve your breathing and sinus problems, contact our office today at (602) 956-1250 or click here to request an appointment.