Is it possible to get your sinuses removed

However, it can worsen in rare cases depending on the extent of swelling or infection. This is often temporary but can be prolonged. Dealing with sinus infections is the main reason why sinus surgery is done. A person with sinusitis can develop other infections in this area as a result of surgery. Sinus surgery usually improves airflow. However, in rare cases, surgery can worsen this.

Small amounts of scar tissue may also build up in the nasal passage that will require another procedure to remove. Before resorting to surgery, a doctor will attempt a variety of other treatments.

There is a range of medications that may be issued, as well as other procedures that may improve symptoms. Sinusitis is an infection of the space behind the nostrils. It can be debilitating and lead to a permanently stuffy nose and breathing difficulties…. Sinus pressure can be a symptom of infection or allergies.

While medication can help, some home remedies can also relieve the pressure. Learn more…. Nonallergic rhinitis can result from an infection or drug use. It causes the inside of the nose to become inflamed, leading to cold-like symptoms. The sinuses behind the nose can become inflamed for a variety of reasons.

A look at sinus headache, a condition where the area around the nose becomes painful. Included is detail on home remedies and the potential causes. Everything you need to know about sinus surgery. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. What is sinus surgery? Reasons for sinus surgery. Share on Pinterest Sinusitis is an infection in the nasal passages which can cause pressure, headaches, a stuffy nose, and congestion.

Share on Pinterest There are several different options for sinus surgery. Share on Pinterest Although eye damage is rare, surgery may cause bleeding or watery eyes.

People around age 8 and older may also find it helpful to gargle often with warm salt water. If you need to blow your nose , do it gently. Blowing your nose too hard may force thick mucus back into your sinuses. Keep both nostrils open when you blow your nose. Medicines Take pain relievers , such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, that you can buy without a prescription. Use a steroid nasal spray or decongestant nasal sprays or pills to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes.

If you use a nasal spray, do not use it longer than what the label says. Take antibiotics as directed, if your doctor prescribes them. Antibiotics can treat most short-term acute sinusitis when it is caused by bacteria. Use mucolytics such as guaifenesin to thin the mucus in your sinuses. Why might your doctor recommend surgery for sinusitis? Your doctor might advise you to have surgery if: You have many sinus infections that need treatment with antibiotics.

Home treatment doesn't stop your pain and other symptoms. You've taken medicines and done home treatment for 4 to 6 weeks, and tests show that you have a sinus problem that surgery can fix. Compare your options.

Compare Option 1 Have surgery for sinusitis Use home care for sinusitis. Compare Option 2 Have surgery for sinusitis Use home care for sinusitis. Have surgery for sinusitis Have surgery for sinusitis You may be asleep.

Or the doctor may numb the area like at the dentist and give you medicine to make you sleepy. You may have some packing in your nose after surgery. Some types dissolve on their own. Gauze packing will need to be removed a few days after surgery.

You still need to take antibiotics and use steroid sprays after surgery to prevent infection. You may have to sleep with your head raised for a few days. You can't bend forward for a few days after surgery. It may clear up your sinus pain and pressure. Endoscopic surgery improves symptoms in about 90 out of people.

You may have some pain and bleeding for 2 weeks after surgery. You could have less sense of smell after surgery. Serious but rare risks can include heavy bleeding, meningitis , and brain injury. But these happen in less than 1 out of sinus surgeries. That means they don't happen more than 99 times out of About 10 out of people find that it doesn't help.

Use home care for sinusitis Use home care for sinusitis You take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. You use steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, and over-the-counter pain medicines. You do other self-care, such as washing your nasal passages with saline, putting a warm cloth on your face, and blowing your nose gently.

Home care may get rid of your sinus infections. Antibiotics are effective for bacterial infections. You don't have the risks of surgery. You don't have the pain of surgery or need to deal with follow-up care. You can decide later to have surgery if home care doesn't help you enough. Home care might not get rid of your sinus problem. Antibiotics don't work for viral infections and don't work for all types of bacterial infections.

It won't fix certain serious problems, such as an infection in the bones of your face or a brain abscess. Antibiotics can cause side effects, which may include allergic reaction, nausea, and diarrhea. Steroid nasal sprays can cause side effects, which may include a burning feeling in the nose and nosebleeds. Spray decongestants can make congestion worse if you use them more times in one day or more days than the label says. Personal stories about choosing surgery for sinusitis These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers.

What matters most to you? Reasons to have sinus surgery Reasons to use home treatment. I want to do everything I can to stop my sinus infections. I want to avoid surgery if at all possible. I'm not afraid of the risks of surgery. I don't want to take any chance on problems from surgery. The pain and pressure in my sinuses is making me miserable. I can control the pain and pressure with medicines. I'm tired of not breathing well.

I can still breathe well. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Surgery Home treatment. You may experience severe bleeding after the surgery. If you bleed too much, you may need a blood transfusion. Some people have vision problems or a decreased sense of smell. Any surgery of the ethmoid sinus carries a risk of creating a leak in the fluid that surrounds your brain.

This would require further surgery to fix. You should also be careful of your activity levels in the three weeks afterward. That said, you should plan to have someone to drive you home from the procedure. After a sinus surgery, follow-up care is essential to make sure your sinuses heal correctly. It could take up to five days for you to feel up for your regular physical activity. You should avoid activities that elevate your blood pressure, such as weight lifting and running, until you get clearance from your doctor.

During the recovery process, you take special pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor. You may also be prescribed corticosteroids. Over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, could interfere with your blood pressure. These are not usually recommended. You will need to keep your sinus passages moistened with a saline spray immediately after the surgery. The spray will keep blood crusts from forming and blocking the sinuses as they heal.

But you will need to avoid blowing your nose for 4 to 7 days after surgery. Blowing could disrupt the delicate sinuses as they heal. Your doctor might insert nasal packs at the site of the surgery and remove them in the days afterwards. Your doctor will ask you to schedule a few postoperative appointments. They can clear your nasal passages safely and carefully. We use cookies and similar tools to give you the best website experience.

By using our site, you accept our digital privacy statement. Read our updated information about wearing a mask for your visit , and our visitor policy. At NYU Langone, doctors recommend sinus surgery only if over-the-counter or prescription medications and other therapies fail to relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Our surgeons can correct structural problems within the nasal passages and sinuses and remove polyps or other tissue blocking the nasal passages. Clearing the nasal and sinus passages allows mucus to drain normally, reducing facial pressure and pain, restoring your sense of smell, and making it easier to breathe.

Sinus surgery using a nasal endoscope is the most commonly recommended procedure for people with chronic sinusitis. The surgeon uses the same type of thin endoscope used during the diagnostic exam.

This procedure requires no visible incisions, is performed under general anesthesia.