Are you tired of living with constant congestion and frequent sinus infections? Sinus surgery may help you breathe easier and reduce the number of infections you get. San Antonio, TX, ENT physician Dr. Christine Gilliam shares some information about the surgery.

When is sinus surgery recommended?

Sinus surgery may be helpful if you experience any of these issues and haven't been helped by decongestants, antihistamines or other treatments:

• Sinus Infections: Although antibiotics are often helpful in treating sinus infections, sometimes the infections can become chronic. If you typically experience sinus infections three or four times throughout the year or have had an infection for 45 days or longer, you might benefit from surgery. Surgery may also be needed if you have an infection that has spread to your bones.
• Obstructions: It's not easy to breathe easily when air doesn't flow freely through your sinuses. The problem can be caused by a deviated septum, polyps, bone spurs or enlarged adenoids or turbinates. Sinus surgery can remove the obstructions or reshape your septum.
• Cysts and Tumors: Sinus surgery is also used to remove cysts and tumors that grow in your sinuses. Although cancer is always a possibility, most cysts and tumors are benign.

What is involved in sinus surgery?

During surgery, a thin, flexible endoscope is inserted into your nose. A camera at the end of the endoscope transmits images of your sinuses to a digital screen. During the surgery, your ENT uses tiny instruments to remove tissue, bone, polyps, cysts or tumors.

You may notice an improvement immediately after surgery, but you'll probably feel a little congested for a few weeks, due to swelling in your sinuses. Once the swelling subsides, you'll be able to breathe much easier. Although it's certainly possible to get sinus infections even after surgery, you'll probably experience them much less often and have milder symptoms.

Sinus surgery can help relieve your pain and other sinus symptoms. Call San Antonio, TX, ENT physician Dr. Christine Gilliam at (210) 647-3838 to schedule an appointment to discuss which treatment option is best for you.