Everyone’s got at least one piece of clothing that doesn’t fit right. It bugs you at first, but after a while it’s no big deal. Before you know it you’ve forgotten all about it. You got used to it.
We adapt to minor inconveniences well, even with our health. We put up with allergies, congestion and headaches and just go through the motions. An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor can turn such notions right on their head.
Nasal sprays, antibiotics and pills only accomplish so much. When conventional solutions don’t work out, an ENT can bring in the cavalry.
The mounted knight in this case is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and it really makes a difference. We’re going to look at how it works and what it can do for your breathing.
Battle Plan
Also known as FESS or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, this procedure is one of the most effective ways to:
• Improve drainage from the sinuses.
• Improve breathing
• Reduce the occurrence of Sinusitis or Sinus Infections
• Improve the sense of smell (as a result of the surgery in most cases)
The way it works is all in the name. A thin, illuminated rod with a camera called an endoscope is inserted through the nose and into the sinuses to give a lit visual. Tools are then used to remove or reduce nasal polyps, turbinates and other obstructions.
The entire surgery is performed inside the nostril under general anesthesia. It lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours and is performed by a qualified ENT. You’ll feel congested for a few weeks afterwards before you notice all the benefits.
The Opposing Force
Going through with surgery is an understandable reservation you could have. The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to talk to an ENT. They can walk you through the process and have a look at your specific needs – seeing if you need it at all. Not going through with it could be a mistake though.
Recurrent sinusitis can actually worsen to the point where it affects your eye socket. Your eye can droop and cause problems with your vision.
Frontal sinusitis can actually form blood clots. In severe cases an infection can spread to the lining tissues of the brain causing everything from seizures to personality changes!
Charge!
While your symptoms may be something your fully capable of dealing with and maybe even something you’ve gotten used to. But it wont always be that way.
Your health is never static and misfortune always strikes when you’ve let your guard down. As we get older, we’re more prone to being sick. That’s when your morning stuffiness or seasonal facial pain could turn into something else.
By talking to an expert you’ll be taking pre-emptive action against being sick in the future. They’ve got the tools and know-how to make sure you breathe in a way you may have forgotten to.