Persistent sinus issues can be annoying to endure. Nasal congestion, recurring headaches, and breathing problems can definitely affect your social life, work, and peace of mind. While many people manage sinus issues with suitable medications and certain lifestyle changes, not everyone is so lucky. In some cases, surgical intervention remains the only way to resolve the problems. 

The question is, how do you know that surgery is the best way to resolve your sinus problems? Only veteran and professional ENT doctors can help you figure that out. In Singapore, you will find expert ENT doctors offering customized and effective sinus treatments. To learn about sinus treatment and contact surgery experts, you can explore https://earnosethroat.com.sg/sinus-surgeon-sinusitis-treatment-surgery-specialist.

When does sinusitis become a problem?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, and it can be caused by nose structure irregularities, infections, allergies, etc. If you have acute sinusitis caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it may last for a few weeks. Chronic Sinusitis, however, can easily last for months and require specialized treatment.

How do you understand if it’s a case of chronic sinusitis? 

The symptoms will include frequent headaches, nasal congestion, pressure around the nose and forehead, postnasal drip, and ear pressure. For several people, managing such symptoms with antibiotics and nasal sprays is possible. However, you may need surgical intervention if regular treatment does not yield expected results. 

When do ENT doctors recommend surgery?

Typically, an ENT specialist recommends surgery in the following situations:

• An ENT doctor may recommend a sinus surgery when chronic sinusitis does not respond well to medications. 
• They may also choose this when any nasal polyp is detected through scans. These are noncancerous growths blocking airflow in the nasal canal.
• In exceptional cases, sinus infections can affect other organs. Affected people may develop double vision and eye swelling etc. To prevent such complications, surgery is recommended. 

Sinus surgery options in Singapore

In Singapore, ENT clinics offer advanced and minimally invasive sinus surgery choices. You will not experience much pain, and your recovery will be short. The standard procedures include:

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery– A common procedure to resolve sinus complications, it uses a tiny camera inserted into the nasal passages. It helps remove polyps and swollen tissue. You may be given general or local anesthesia.
• Septoplasty– It helps rectify a deviated septum and enhances airflow. 
• Balloon sinuplasty– It is good for treating moderate or mild sinus cases, and the process uses a small balloon catheter. Since no tissue removal or cutting is needed, the recovery phase is shorter.
• Endoscopic skull base surgery– This may be used in rare and complex sinus tumor cases. 

What about the safety?

Sinus surgery is generally safe, but some risk factors exist. The guidelines of veteran ENT doctors will help you avoid risks like infections, bleeding, and loss of smell. 

Summing it up

Sinus problems are common, but surgery is not always the solution. ENT specialists consider it the last option when medications, lifestyle changes, and sinus irrigation do not yield the expected results. In any case, ensure you find an experienced ENT surgeon with enough credentials and a patient-centric approach for the best results.