The sinuses are normally hollow cavities that are filled with air. When the sinuses become occluded, they can fill with fluid. Subsequently, the fluid can serve as a medium for bacteria to grow and lead to a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can occur to anyone at virtually any age group. Nevertheless, certain conditions may predispose individuals to developing a sinus infection. For example, individuals with nasal allergies such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and nasal polyps are more likely to develop sinusitis. This is because the increased inflammation within the nose due to allergies causes swelling and obstructions in the already narrow channels of the sinuses causing the outflow tracts to be blocked and the sinuses to become infected.
Polyps can also physically block the sinuses from adequately draining, thus leading to sinusitis. Other conditions that can cause similar issues include systemic diseases such as autoimmune conditions, anatomical conditions such as deviated septums, neoplastic conditions such as benign tumors or malignant cancers. In addition, smoking has also been demonstrated to increase the risk of sinusitis due to the damaging effects of smoking on the drainage system of the sinuses. Sinus surgery involves opening up the narrow channels inside of the nose to allow the healthy drainage of the sinuses.
A comprehensive medical history and physical exam with close examination of the outside and inside of your nose is undertaken to properly diagnose any issues with the sinuses. Furthermore, to properly identify any issues with the drainage channels from the sinuses, a small endoscope is used to properly visualize the small structures within the nose, front to back, in addition to identifying any other issues that may be present and causing nasal blockages such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, pus-like discharge, or inflammation suggestive of allergies. Keep in mind, a sinus infection alone need not be the sole reason for your symptoms.
There are a large variety of other causes that can cause nasal inflammation and nasal symptoms and it is essential that you meet with a provider who will not only be able to address your sinus issues but any other causes of your nasal symptoms as well. Dr. Harounian is an expert in all forms of nasal and sinus surgery and has extensive experience with many conditions regarding the nose and sinuses. Furthermore, he has wide fund of knowledge with regards to other causes of nasal obstruction and will be able to not only diagnose and effectively treated any issues with your sinuses, but also diagnose and address any other causes of nasal blockage as well.
Sinus infections are treated in different ways depending on the type and severity of infection. Most simple sinus infections are caused by the same virus that causes the common cold and, thus, are treated with nasal saline irrigations, staying hydrated drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medication. Antibiotics are not helpful in this setting as the cause is viral. If symptoms continue to persist after 10 days, or worsen, antibiotics may be indicated in addition to a nasal steroid spray. Long-term, or chronic, sinusitis is typically addressed with a nasal steroid spray in addition to nasal saline irrigations with the possible addition of an antihistamine. Medical therapy is always tried first as your sinus symptoms may improve significantly, thus avoiding the need for surgery all-together.
When the above medical measures fail to adequately control your symptoms, often a CT scan is utilized to better visualize what is happening inside the sinuses. Depending on that the CT scan shows, surgery may be the next step in order to remove any obstructions to the sinus drainage pathways and open up your sinuses. This will allow your sinus to drain more efficiently and also allow any medications you are using to reach the sinuses more effectively.
Dr. Harounian does not only treat the condition but also treats the patient. Sinus surgery can be combined with any other type of nasal surgery in order to address any problem you have all together as opposed to one at a time. Dr. Harounian includes all the factors when discussing treatment options with his patients and prefers to have a discussion with his patients on the best treatment plan that is tailored and best suited to meet his patient’s expectations, goals, and needs while still remaining well-informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Prior to surgery, you will have to refrain from any smoking in addition to any medications that can thin your blood as well as any supplements such as vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo ginseng, ginger, saw palmetto, and fish oil. You will need to have someone accompany you after surgery. We understand that the idea of surgery is a heavy one to consider and can be daunting. Dr. Harounian takes every measure to assure that you feel comfortable and informed of the entire process and including the surgery before you leave the office and enter the operating room.
He will meet with you for as long as you need and as many times as you wish. He will often welcome family members as well to have a group discussion to make sure everyone is on the same page. You will receive a handout detailing everything that is discussed beginning with what to do the day before your surgery to what you should be doing after your surgery and for the week following your surgery as well. You will receive a personalized bag with supplies that you will need for your aftercare.
Sinus surgery is typically a same-day outpatient procedure that takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on the extent and severity of the sinus inflammation. The surgery is performed endoscopically and, thus, it occurs in the nose and it is rare to have any visible incisions on the outside of the nose or face. The surgery mainly consists of three parts:
There are a variety of risks associated with Sinus Surgery.
Fortunately, they are rare but it is important to be informed of any possible risks. Dr. Harounian has extensive training with nasal/sinus surgery and takes every precaution to reduce the chances of a risk occurring.
As sinus surgery is an outpatient procedure, you will go home the same day. You may feel some soreness and notice some bruising in addition to mild swelling on your nose for a couple of weeks. During this time, it may be difficult or uncomfortable to breathe through one or both sides of your nose as healing continues and the swelling subsides. You may have other types of surgery in conjunction with your sinus surgery. Depending on the additional procedures, the recovery time may be shorter or less. Dr. Harounian rarely needs to use packing inside the nose after surgery and patients can generally breathe through the nose very soon afterward. In most cases, you will be able to go back to work within the first week but avoid any physical exertion or heavy exercise for 2 to 3 weeks. Most patients fully recover within a month after sinus surgery.
Fortunately, nasal surgeries such as sinus surgery that are meant to improve the breathing function of your nose are typically covered by most insurances. Dr. Harounian is a strong believer in making sure his patients are always informed throughout the entire process starting from diagnosis to treatment. His office will perform a full check of your insurance plans and inform you well ahead of time of any financial responsibilities that you may have. There will ever be any surprises and all effort is taken to not only meet, but exceed your goals and expectations.
