Wondering if sinus surgery may be the answer to your chronic sinus problems? The ENTs at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo, CA, share several signs and symptoms that may indicate that sinus surgery could help you.

Signs and symptoms

You may benefit from sinus surgery if any of these signs or symptoms apply to you:

• Frequent or Chronic Sinus Infections: If it's not unusual for you to have three or four sinus infections during the year, or you've experienced pain and inflammation for 45 days or longer, surgery may be recommended.
• Polyps and Other Obstructions: Sinus surgery can make breathing easier if you have an obstruction in your nasal passages or sinuses. In addition to polyps, other types of obstructions include a deviated septum, bone spur, or turbinate or adenoid hypertrophy.
• Growths: Surgery is used to remove cysts and tumors that grow in the sinuses and make it difficult for you to breathe.
• Spreading infections: Sinus infections can be very serious if they spread to your skull or the bones of your face.

Surgery is always a last resort and is performed if other treatments, such as antibiotics, decongestants and steroids, haven't been helpful.

How is sinus surgery performed in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo?

Sinus surgery is performed using minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in most cases. A small camera mounted to one end of a flexible endoscope allows your doctor to view your sinuses on a digital screen during the surgery. Your doctor uses tiny surgical instruments passed through your nostrils to perform the surgery. You'll receive general anesthesia and won't be awake during the procedure.

Will I notice immediate results?

Immediately after surgery, you may feel congested due to swelling in your sinuses. Although it will probably take a few weeks until you experience the full effects of surgery, you'll soon notice a significant improvement. If you do experience another sinus infection at some point, it will probably be much milder than in the past.

Do you suffer from sinus pain, headaches and congestion? Your ENT can offer a variety of treatments, include surgery, that will help you breathe easier. Call the ENTs at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo, CA, to schedule your appointment.