Breathing easy: The benefits of sinus surgery for adults

Chronic sinus issues can significantly affect your quality of life and energy levels. While traditional treatments may offer temporary relief, they often don't tackle the root causes. Sinus surgery provides a lasting solution by addressing these underlying issues, improving airway function, drainage, breathing, and overall comfort.

Here, leading ENT specialist Mr Ravinder Natt outlines some key benefits of sinus surgery to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your sinus health.

What is sinus surgery and how does it help?

Sinus surgery, commonly known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is a minimally invasive procedure that enables a surgeon to access and clear obstructed sinus passages. Using a small instrument known as an endoscope, which has a light and camera attached, the surgeon can remove obstructions and improve airflow through the sinus passages. Unlike traditional surgery, FESS doesn’t require large incisions. This method is especially effective for people with chronic sinusitis, a condition where inflammation and infection persist for three months or longer despite medication and other treatments.

Chronic sinusitis often results from nasal polyps (soft tissue growths that block airflow), structural issues, or infections that won’t clear up. Surgery can help by removing these blockages, enhancing sinus drainage, and allowing the sinuses to function more effectively. For patients struggling with frequent symptoms, this procedure can offer long-term relief, often eliminating the need for ongoing medication.

How can sinus surgery improve breathing and comfort?

One of the most immediate benefits that patients notice after sinus surgery is an improvement in breathing. Chronic sinusitis often leads to swollen nasal passages and mucus buildup, which block airflow and make breathing through the nose challenging. When sinuses are blocked, it’s harder for mucus to drain properly, which can lead to congestion, discomfort, and even infection. By surgically clearing obstructions, the procedure restores normal airflow, allowing you to breathe easily again.

Improved breathing also positively impacts sleep quality. Many patients with sinus issues struggle with sleep apnoea (a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep) or snoring, both of which can worsen with nasal congestion. Sinus surgery reduces these problems, helping patients sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Does sinus surgery reduce recurring infections?

Sinus surgery is highly effective in decreasing the frequency of sinus infections. Chronic infections are often caused by the buildup of mucus and bacteria in the sinus cavities due to blocked passages. These infections not only cause discomfort but can also weaken the immune system over time, making you more vulnerable to other illnesses. By removing obstructions, sinus surgery promotes better mucus drainage, reducing the environment in which bacteria thrive.

For those prone to frequent sinus infections, surgery can result in fewer infections and milder symptoms when they do occur. With clearer sinus passages, bacteria and mucus don’t have the chance to build up as they once did, which means fewer doctor visits and antibiotic treatments in the long term.

Can sinus surgery reduce facial pain and headaches?

Sinus-related pain is often one of the most frustrating symptoms for chronic sinusitis sufferers. Blocked sinuses can cause pressure to build in the facial area, leading to frequent headaches and facial pain, especially around the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Many patients also experience pain when bending over or even talking, which can severely impact daily life.

Sinus surgery alleviates this pressure by creating wider sinus passages, allowing the sinuses to drain more naturally. This reduces the buildup of pressure that leads to pain. For most people, the improvement in pain is noticeable soon after surgery, with patients reporting fewer sinus headaches and a significant reduction in overall facial discomfort.

Is sinus surgery a long-term solution?

While sinus surgery is not a cure-all, it is a long-lasting solution for many people with chronic sinusitis. For those whose sinus problems are caused by structural issues, nasal polyps, or other permanent conditions, surgery can provide substantial relief that lasts for years. After surgery, many patients find that they require far fewer medications and experience much fewer symptoms than before.

If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Natt, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.