Hello, and welcome to Clear Breaths, the Beginning of Pure Sounds! This is Suseong Hana ENT Clinic.
Many patients visit us with symptoms like:
- “My nose is always blocked, and my head feels heavy.”
- “Whenever I catch a cold, I have thick yellow nasal discharge and severe pain.”
In most of these cases, patients are diagnosed with sinusitis.
Medically, this is referred to as rhinosinusitis. Acute inflammation usually improves with medications such as antibiotics.
However, repeated inflammation often leads to chronic sinusitis, and some patients do not respond to just a few rounds of antibiotics.
If nasal congestion and discomfort persist for several months and the effectiveness of medications gradually decreases, it is a good idea to consult with a medical professional to evaluate whether surgical treatment may be necessary.
The procedure performed in such cases is Daegu Sinus Surgery.
Sinusitis is Not Just a Common Cold
Sinusitis occurs when pus accumulates in the air-filled cavities of the facial bones (the sinuses) and fails to drain, leading to repeated inflammation.
Unlike simple rhinitis or a cold, which mainly cause nasal congestion, sinusitis comes with a variety of symptoms such as headaches, facial pressure, eye socket pain, thick yellow nasal discharge, and postnasal drip, significantly reducing quality of life.
When it becomes chronic, the nasal mucosa thickens, sinus openings get blocked, and natural drainage is prevented, creating a vicious cycle.
At first, it may be mistaken for a common cold, but if the problem recurs repeatedly, it is important to recognize it as a structural or functional issue within the nose and seek active treatment.
When Surgical Treatment Should Be Considered
Early-stage sinusitis can usually be well-managed with antibiotics, nasal decongestants, and nasal irrigation.
However, in the following cases, medication alone may not be sufficient, and surgery might need to be considered:
- Symptoms persist for more than 3 months
- Headaches and thick yellow nasal discharge continue despite medication
- CT scans show continued accumulation of pus in the sinuses
- Reduced sense of smell or bad breath worsens, and sleep is disturbed due to mouth breathing
In such situations, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) may be performed to directly remove pus from the sinuses and secure proper drainage pathways.
How is Daegu Sinus Surgery Performed?
Most sinus surgeries performed today are endoscopic procedures.
Unlike older methods that required external incisions, the surgeon inserts an endoscope through the nostrils, opens blocked sinus openings, and removes accumulated pus and diseased mucosa.
The main goal of this surgery is not simply to remove inflammation, but to restore proper drainage pathways, allowing the sinuses to naturally clear themselves.
The procedure is usually performed under local or sedation anesthesia and is customized based on the patient’s symptoms, CT findings, and anatomical structure.
In some cases, if a deviated septum is present, septoplasty may be performed simultaneously to achieve optimal functional improvement.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
Many patients ask, “Will sinusitis never come back after surgery?”
To be clear, the surgery removes inflammation and widens drainage pathways, but it does not guarantee a complete cure.
Therefore, ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments are necessary even after surgery.
Typically, patients can return to daily activities within a week, and for about 2–4 weeks, follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the nasal mucosa and perform nasal irrigation.
During this period, quitting smoking, controlling indoor humidity, and eliminating allergy triggers can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Consider Surgery if Sinusitis Repeats Frequently
Unlike simple rhinitis, chronic sinusitis is primarily caused by structural blockage and repeated inflammation.
Rather than repeatedly relying on medication, it is important to undergo CT scans and endoscopic evaluations for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
An ENT specialist can thoroughly assess the condition of the sinuses, determine whether medication alone is sufficient, or if surgical intervention is necessary, and propose the most suitable treatment for each patient.
Instead of hoping it will get better on its own, identifying the exact cause can lead to a faster recovery.
Daegu sinus surgery can significantly reduce breathing difficulties and improve quality of life.
If sinusitis recurs frequently or medication becomes less effective, surgical treatment may be necessary, so it is crucial to determine the best approach through accurate diagnosis.
This post was written directly by a physician in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. All procedures carry the possibility of side effects such as bruising, swelling, inflammation, or burns. Please consult with medical staff before undergoing any treatment.