Sinusitis is a condition in which your normally air-filled sinus cavities become inflamed. This can lead to facial pain and pressure, difficulty breathing, congestion, runny nose, fatigue, and fever. Chronic sinusitis can contribute to missed work days and a general unwell feeling.
If you’re struggling with sinusitis and suspect your condition might be chronic, we encourage you to visit Dr. Arash Moradzadeh here at AM Facial Plastics in Santa Barbara and Beverly Hills, California. In this blog, Dr. Moradzadeh discusses some of the nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for sinusitis.
Nonsurgical treatment options for sinusitis
You can relieve some of the symptoms of sinusitis with simple at-home treatments, such as:
- Keeping your sinuses moisturized with hot showers, a humidifier, and saline nasal sprays
- Resting to allow your body time to fight the infection
- Applying warm compresses to alleviate facial pain
In addition to at-home treatments, Dr. Moradzadeh may order imaging tests, including a CT scan, to reveal more information about your nose, your sinus cavities, and whether you have any nasal polyps or structural issues.
Depending on the results of your tests, you may benefit from antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, allergy medications, or medications to shrink any polyps present.
Surgical treatment options for sinusitis
Although many people find relief from conservative treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes, some people may benefit best from surgical intervention. There are several different types of surgery depending on what’s contributing to your sinusitis.
Balloon sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure in which Dr. Moradzadeh uses a catheter to place a small medical balloon into the opening of your sinus cavity. Once the balloon is gently inflated, it creates a wider space, allowing sinus fluid to drain more freely. As a result, you experience less facial and sinus pressure.
Septoplasty
Your septum is a thin strip of bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils. But if this tissue isn’t straight, it can prohibit your nose from draining properly.
If a deviated septum is contributing to your sinusitis, you may benefit from a septoplasty. During septoplasty, Dr. Moradzadeh surgically straightens your septum and removes any excess bone or cartilage.
Turbinate surgery
Turbinates are structures inside your nose that help to warm, humidify, and clean the air as it moves through your nose. Colds, allergies, and recurring infections can cause them to swell and become enlarged.
Turbinate surgery can reduce the size of turbinates. There are many different approaches to turbinate surgery, and Dr. Moradzadeh recommends the right approach depending on how severe your symptoms are. Typically, turbinates aren’t completely removed because they do serve an important function.
Endoscopic surgery
Endoscopic surgery is an approach used if you have blockages in your sinuses associated with sinusitis, septal deviations, or nasal polyps. Endoscopic surgery is performed using an endoscope, a surgical tube with a camera and light. Small surgical tools inserted through the endoscope remove excess tissue, facilitate proper drainage, and widen your sinus cavity openings.
Open sinus surgery
Unlike endoscopic surgeries, open sinus surgeries require an external incision. This allows greater access to your sinus cavities. Open sinus surgery is recommended if less invasive options don’t provide enough relief.
Don’t let chronic sinusitis keep you uncomfortable. To learn more about options to treat sinusitis or to schedule a consultation, call Dr. Moradzadeh at 310-659-9900 today. You can also request your consultation easily with our online tool.