When sinuses
become infected,
medicine is the first line of defense. Nose
drops, saline washes, steroid sprays, anti-
biotics and other medications often help
reduce swelling and control infections.
But some people develop sinus prob-
lems that become chronic. Months—or
years—of headaches, pain and misery can
follow. Uncontrolled infections can travel
to sensitive areas near the sinuses, includ-
ing the eyes and brain.
So if aggressive use of medications fails,
your doctor may suggest sinus surgery.
Tammy Robertson, RN, had sinus
surgery 12 years ago and saw noticeable
results. She works as a nurse for Stephen
Chandler, MD, who sees patients at
Montgomery Otolaryngology.
Earlier this year, Robertson’s sinus
symptoms started acting up again.
“I was throwing up and coughing real
bad,” Robertson said. “I thought it was
acid reflux. It turns out it was my sinuses.”
Robertson had developed a fungus in
her sinuses that was causing her symptoms.
“I had sinus surgery again in February,”
she said. “After the surgery, I feel a whole
lot better.”
The goal of surgery
If sinuses don’t drain properly, pus
and other secretions can build up and
become infected. Air also needs to move
freely through the sinuses; if it cannot, a
vacuum is created. Any of these condi-
tions can lead to pressure and pain.
The goal of surgery is to improve
drainage and reduce blockages so that the
complex pathways between the sinuses
and the nose work better. Surgery helps by:
Sinus surgery can help
BREATHE
• Enlarging the natural openings of the
sinuses
• Correcting anatomical problems
• Removing growths, called polyps
Types of surgery
Today sinus surgery is usually done en-
tirely through the nose, with no external
scars. Surgeons use techniques that cause
much less pain and downtime than older
surgical techniques.
Sinus surgery options include:
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
(FESS)
, which involves inserting a very
thin, lighted tool called an endoscope
through the nose. This allows the sur-
geon to see the sinuses. Using micro-
instruments, small amounts of bone or
tissue are removed to enlarge and clear
blocked areas to improve drainage.
FREELY
Tammy Robertson, RN
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