How Sinus Surgery Can Change Your Life?

Sinus problems can be quite daunting to the point of seriously affecting your quality of life. They can manifest in a variety of symptoms, the intensity of which can vary as time goes by. Fever and coughing are most common, followed by frontal headaches and face tenderness (especially under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose). You may also experience nasal congestion and postnasal drips. Luckily, all of this is fixable with a simple and safe surgery procedure.

How does it work?

The surgery is performed through the nostril, leaving no scars or bruising. Deviated bones are straightened, which improves the sinus openings making them drain adequately. The allergic tissue is also removed to improve nasal airways. These procedures can also be done in combination with cosmetic Rhinoplasty or an anti-snoring surgery. The recovery times vary, but in one to two weeks, you'll be able to return to your daily activities.

No more Pain

Headaches and facial pressures are probably the hardest part of sinus related problems. They change the patient's life by making everyday activities too hard to handle. Patients often describe these pains as something which consumes their mind, rendering them unable to focus on anything else. The pains are also hard to locate, which creates the impression that the entire face is in pain, or that the pains tend to shift (from the bridge of the nose to the roof of the mouth and behind the ears). The surgery practically eliminates these pains or at least significantly reduces them, changing your life for the better in one fell swoop.

Fewer Infections

A sinus infection is an inflammation of the air cavities inside the nose. It causes a sore throat, intense fevers, and occasional facial swelling. Headaches and feeling of nasal stuffiness (which can sometimes be so hard that you feel like you're suffocating) are also common. All of these symptoms become worse during the spring, because of all the allergens in the air. Also, those who experience chronic fever, also feel fatigue and have less energy overall. After a septoplasty, infections will be much less frequent and much less intensive, letting you breathe normally once again.

Help with the Medication

Sinus inflammations are a chronic disease meaning that you'll probably have to manage it your whole life. You should take the prescribed medication even after the surgery, especially when inflammations start to occur. The medication will also be more effective after the procedure. With the widened sinus pathways, medical sprays and other nebulized drugs will reach the sinuses easier and help you get through a rough patch faster than before.

You May also Like: Diagnosing a Sinus Infection is a DIY Project - Dr. Richard Rosenfeld

Recovery Do's and Don'ts

It's a simple procedure and soon after it's done, you should be able to resume your daily life, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind and make the recovery as smooth as possible.

Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. Use a couple of extra pillows at night and you'll be fine. Don't blow your nose during the first week after the surgery. If you have to sneeze, try doing it with your mouth open. Don't lift anything heavy for two weeks. Don't take any aspirin, because it slows down blood clotting. In the end, some bleeding is to be expected, but if you feel like you're bleeding too much, don't hesitate to call your doctor.

Surgery is never a small matter, but this procedure is simple, safe and effective. Consult your doctor and try it; soon you'll be able to improve your life and enjoy it without the constant discomfort sinus issues can bring.

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Oral Health: Your Mouth Is the Gateway to Your Body

Years back, we've been treating oral hygiene singularly; all things related to our oral health stayed in our mouth (sort to speak) and we've never thought to look deeper into the disease potentials that may prove links between our body and mouth.

However, recent years have brought about various concerns that have triggered scientists' curiosity to explore this area and give it structure. At the first glance, our mouth has nothing to do with the rest of our bodily functions, i.e. potential illnesses that we may pick up. Unfortunately, research shows the contrary.

Bacteria stored in our mouth build up on teeth and consequently make gums prone to infection. The gums become inflamed the moment immune system moves in to attack the infection. Unless the infection is brought under control, chemicals released through inflammation eat away at the gums and bone structure that hold teeth in place. The result is periodontitis, i.e. a severe gum disease. The inflammation, if not treated properly, can also cause problems in the rest of the body.

Oral Health and Diabetes

The relationship between periodontitis and diabetes may be the strongest of all the connections between the body and mouth. The body's ability to control blood sugar is weakened by inflammation that starts in the mouth, which causes people with diabetes to experience difficulties in processing sugar; in a situation like this, insulin, the hormone that converts sugar into energy is lacking, potentially causing severe health consequences.

See Also: Common Oral Health Problems: What You Need To Know

Oral Health and Heart Disease

It is believed that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand even though the reasons behind this connection are not fully understood. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease have periodontitis, compared to 66% of people with no heart disease. Several risk factors such as smoking, excess weight and unhealthy diet are what often links the two conditions. There are suspicions that the risk of heart disease is increased by periodontitis.

According to research, "inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels". With this in mind, it is valid to conclude that mouth inflammation increases the risk of heart attack in a number of ways. "There's also a greater risk that fatty plaque will break off the wall of a blood vessel and travel to the heart or the brain, causing a heart attack or stroke", it is explained.

With inflamed blood vessels, blood is largely blocked from travelling between the heart and the rest of the body, causing high blood pressure.

Oral Health and Pregnancy

Prematurely born babies often suffer significant health problems, including heart conditions, lung conditions and learning disorders. Even though there are plenty of factors that are potentially to blame for premature or low birth weight deliveries, researchers are exploring the role of gum disease in this predicament. Judging by the research, inflammation and infection seem to interfere with a fetus's development in the womb. In a combination with hormonal changes during pregnancy, this can increase a woman's risk of catching periodontitis. This is why experts are advising women that are planning their pregnancy or are already pregnant to have checkups in order to identify whether or not they are at risk. Further, orthodontists are advising the use of adult braces as it successfully treats dental malocclusions and prevents infection development in time.

See More: Important Dental Care Tips for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth

Oral Health and Osteoporosis

Bone loss is the major link between osteoporosis and periodontitis. However, the link between the two is controversial. While gum disease attacks the jawbone, osteoporosis affects the long bones in the arms and legs; further, it is argued that periodontitis is more common among men whereas osteoporosis mainly affects women.

Some studies suggest that women with osteoporosis have gum disease more often than those who do not, even though a link has not been well established.

Researchers are still testing their theory of mouth inflammation weakening bones in the body and affecting our bodily functions at large.

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