Frequent nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and infections can stop your daily routine and can be inconvenient. You’ve probably tried different nasal sprays, humidifiers, sinus treatments, and medications to ease the pain, but it never stopped the issue entirely. If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis, a deviated septum, or frequent sinus infections, talk to your local ENT about procedures that will eliminate your pain and restore a healthier lifestyle.
Here are four surgical procedures that will help increase nasal airflow and permanently cure you from sinus issues.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps straighten your septum to promote better airflow in the nostrils. This procedure is relatively quick and is an outpatient surgery, so the patient can go home the same day. Septoplasty is done entirely inside the nose, and the patient won’t leave with any scars.
During the surgery, the patient will be placed under local anesthesia. At the same time, the surgeon reshapes and repositions the septum to allow the patient to breathe through the nose rather than the mouth easily.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a simple procedure many people opt for to help increase their airflow. This procedure is best for people who have a mild case of sinusitis or people who suffer from frequent sinus infections. Sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia.
To achieve this procedure, the surgeon will place a thread, followed by a small balloon, through the nostril into the sinus cavity. The tiny balloon is inflated to help enlarge the sinuses. Once enlarged, the balloon is taken out, and the patient can go home the same day.
Nasal Endoscopy
Although nasal endoscopy isn’t a surgical procedure, it will help you diagnose sinus issues to help you move toward a healthier lifestyle. A nasal endoscopy is a procedure that will take a look at the sinus passages through a small tube with a tiny camera and light. An ENT will perform this procedure in their office. This procedure will give you and your ENT more information on your congestion and blockages and watch for any growths.
Turbinate Tissue Reduction
Another procedure that will help increase nasal airflow is turbinate tissue reduction. This procedure is recommended for those with a deviated septum or chronic nasal obstruction. Turbinate tissue reductions have many health benefits, including clearing your sinuses and less frequent sinus pressure headaches. This procedure is done relatively quickly by surgically removing the turbinates or cauterization. Both methods are painless and require three to six months of recovery time—depending on whether the procedure’s invasive.