The sinuses are air-filled spaces between the eyes and behind the forehead and cheeks. Tiny hairs called cilia line the walls of the sinuses, and mucus is produced.

When the sinuses become swollen or infected, mucus thickens and clogs openings to the sinuses. Bacteria may become trapped and fluid may build up, creating a stuffy feeling.

What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Sinusitis?

• pain in the forehead and eye area
• stuffy or runny nose
• yellow or greenish discharge
• loss of smell or taste
• pain in the neck, ears, and jaw

The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue, and the disorder is usually characterized by the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea

Patients with sleep apnea can have hundreds of cycles of interrupted breathing per night.

Many people with sleep apnea may are unaware of this repeating sleep-snore-apnea-wake pattern, it is very disruptive to normal sleep patterns, and very hard on partners. Fatigue throughout the day can be attributed to a frequent disrupted sleep pattern.

Who Is Most Likely To Have Sinusitis?

Risk factors for sinusitis include:

• Viruses
• Allergies
• Air pollution and cigarette smoke
• Dental infections
• Narrowed nasal passages from nasal polyps

Treatment for Sinusitis:

Many sinus infections can improve with over-the-counter drug remedies or antibiotics. However, if frequent and painful sinusitis persists, it is best to consult your doctor to see if surgery may be helpful.

What Does Surgery for Sinusitis Involve?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS):

Usually, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. An endoscope is used to visualize the sinuses, and surgery entails removal of obstructive diseased mucosa from isolated diseased cells and/or from the frontal recess and ethmoidal infundibulum (parts of the sinuses).

Are You A Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for FESS if:

• You have recurrent acute or chronic infective sinusitis.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery for Sinusitis?

The advantage of the FESS procedure is that, in general, the surgery is less extensive than with a traditional method, there is often less removal of normal tissues, and the surgery can frequently be performed on an outpatient basis without the necessity for nasal packing. The advantage of surgery overall vs. other approaches is that the problem – the occluded, diseased, sinuses – is eliminated, instead of merely symptomatic treatment with drugs.

How Long Does It Take?

Usually 2-3 hours, depending on complexity of individual case.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually one.

What Are My Alternatives to Surgery for Sinusitis?

• Over-the-counter sinus medication

Will I Have Pain?

There may be minor pain and swelling for a few days; a short course of pain relievers is usually given.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

About one week.

Who Will Perform My Sinusitis Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained specialists in the field.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Sinusitis Surgery?

Insurance companies should cover this procedure.