Pain After Sinus Surgery

Sinus surgery is usually recommended for chronic and recurrent sinusitis. Sinusitis refers to the inflammation, as well as infection of the paranasal sinuses. There are basically four groups of paranasal sinuses, which are known as maxillary sinuses, frontal sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, and sphenoid sinuses.

Usually, an inflammation and infection of the sinuses is treated with nasal sprays, decongestants, allergy medications, and antibiotics. Sometimes, corticosteroids can also be prescribed to reduce the inflammation. But if all these treatment options fail to alleviate the inflammation, then physicians can opt for surgery. Some of the common complications that can arise after sinus surgery are pain, bleeding, and infection.

It is performed to open up the blocked sinuses. Sinusitis is characterized by the inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, which can produce a lot of discomforts.

Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, pain and tenderness around the eyes, face, nose, and the forehead, headaches, sore throat, cough, post nasal drip, bad breath, and ear pain are some of the common symptoms associated with a chronic sinus infection. Most patients can however, manage this condition with the help of medications and lifestyle changes.

But occasionally, surgery is used for the treatment of sinusitis, especially if it is severe and recurrent in nature. The most common surgical procedure employed for this purpose is known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Here, a specialized instrument, known as endoscope, is inserted through the nostril. This instrument helps the surgeon examine the inside of the nose and the paranasal sinuses.

The surgical instruments are also inserted along with the endoscope, with the help of which the surgeon removes the blockage to improve drainage, ventilation, and breathing. Usually, the entire procedure is carried out through the nostrils, which means that external incisions are not made in most of the cases.

Usually, the pain associated with this surgery is well tolerated by a great majority of the patients. In fact, the endoscopic sinus surgery is less invasive, as compared to other conventional surgical procedures. The severity of the pain depends on the nature of the surgery.

An invasive surgery can produce greater pain than a minor surgery. More commonly, people can get pain, and nasal and sinus pressure for a few days after the surgery. The post-surgical pain can imitate the pain caused by a sinus infection.

The post-surgical pain can be managed with the appropriate pain medications. Most patients get relief from the pain after taking these medications for a couple of days. For severe pain, physicians may recommend high-strength pain killers.

Some individuals may not need any pain medication after the surgery. It has been observed that the individuals with septoplasty are likely to experience more pain and discomforts after the endoscopic sinus surgery.

To sum up, the post-surgical pain can vary from person to person. For some, the pain can be tolerable, while others can require pain killers. Certain pain medications should be avoided a few days before and after the surgery, in order to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Some such common pain killers are aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. To be on the safe side, be sure to talk to your physician before taking any pain medications. Along with medications, your physician may recommend the use of a cool mist humidifier and saline nasal sprays after the surgery.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.