The sinuses are a combination of large and small air pockets in the face. They are connected to the inside of the nose through small openings called ostea. They help to optimise the temperature and humidity of the air reaching the lungs. The sinuses can become infected due to a variety of reasons. The symptoms usually associated are nasal obstruction, facial congestion, headaches, excessive catarrh, disturbance in the sense of smell and toothache.
In most cases sinusitis can be treated effectively by medications and correcting any underlying cause such as allergies. If conservative treatment fails then surgery may be considered.
There has been great improvement in the surgical treatment over the last few years. The main principal of surgery now is conserving as much as possible the normal lining of the nose and sinuses, which is achievable thanks to the new surgical techniques. Minimally invasive surgery or Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), is now the standard of care and the aim is to restore the normal mucus flow between the sinuses and the nose by adjusting the anatomy of the affected area. Modern techniques include the use of balloon sinuplasty (www.balloonsinuplasty.co.uk), which reduces further any damage to the lining of the nose, thus making healing faster and more effective. For more details of sinusitis, its causes and treatment, please visit our website www.sinussurgerycentre.co.uk.