Few things can ruin your sleep the way a stuffy nose can. Chronic congestion and sinus pressure make nighttime miserable. What should be your time to rest ends up being the reason why you’re exhausted.
But, there’s hope.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) can put you on the path to relief.
How Does FESS Work?
The culprit for your chronic stuffiness may be the anatomy of your nose. If this is the case, functional endoscopic sinus surgery can help. FESS is an outpatient procedure that removes nasal passage blockages. It involves removing pieces of bone or tissue in your nose that obstruct your breathing.
After removing the blockage, your sinuses are open again, restoring airflow and drainage function.
When is FESS necessary?
It can be frustrating to deal with a chronically stuffy nose and stubborn sinus infections. Traditional methods like antihistamines, over-the-counter medications, and antibiotics may provide temporary relief. But, these methods don’t always work long-term.
Your doctor may recommend functional endoscopic sinus surgery to treat you. Also, you may need FESS if you’ve experienced symptoms including:
- Impaired sense of smell
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- and Pressure
What Can I Expect From An FESS Procedure?
The thought of having a procedure done on your nose can be intimidating. But FESS is a simple procedure to give you relief. You receive a local anesthetic to the area, so you don’t have to worry about pain. Your doctor uses an endoscope to get a close look at problem areas. After this, the doctor removes small pieces of bone or tissue in your nose that contribute to your symptoms.
What Is The Recovery Time?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is an outpatient procedure. Many patients can go home within an hour of treatment. You may have a discharge of blood for a few weeks after your procedure. While recovery times vary, you can generally expect to miss a few days of work or school after your surgery.
Are The Results Permanent?
As FESS aims to treat the underlying cause of your sinus problems, the success rate is relatively high. Studies show that FESS provides long-term relief for over 80 percent of patients.
What are the Risks?
All procedures come with risks. Although the chances of complications from FESS are rare, there is still a remote possibility.
Risks of FESS can include:
- Bleeding
- Altered sense of smell
- Vision problems
- Spinal fluid leak (very rare)
The best way to know if FESS is the right option is to speak with a professional. If you want to know more about Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, talk to our professionals at EOS Sleep. Call our office at 212-873-6036 to schedule your consultation.