How long after sinusitis surgery should a follow-up be conducted?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Sinusitis, which we now generally refer to as sinusitis, is diagnosed based on specific examinations and surgical interventions are considered when indicated. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary, along with nasal cavity cleaning to prevent the recurrence of sinusitis. Typically, after discharging the surgical patient, we advise them to return to the clinic for a follow-up after a week. Subsequently, based on specific conditions during the follow-up, patients are instructed to return for further check-ups after two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, and even up to three months. This process should continue for about half a year, during which regular clinic visits for follow-ups are necessary. During these visits, the doctor will assess the healing of the sinus cavity and schedule the next follow-up appointment accordingly.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis are due to persistent inflammation following acute inflammatory stimuli or recurrent attacks, leading to nasal and systemic symptoms. Patients may experience facial swelling and pain, headaches, and nasal congestion, generally bilateral and progressively worsening. Additionally, there may be yellow purulent discharge from the nasal cavity, sometimes accompanied by an odor. The examination can reveal congested and edematous bilateral nasal turbinates and abnormal secretions in the nasal cavity. For treatment, patients initially need a sinus CT scan; if sinusitis is confirmed, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary, including oral antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are relatively effective. Saline nasal irrigation is also required. If conservative treatment fails, the patient may need endoscopic sinus surgery and partial resection of the bilateral inferior turbinates to recover.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to relieve headache from sinusitis?

Sinusitis is currently the general term for what was traditionally called accessory sinusitis. Accessory sinusitis can cause headaches, which is a clinical manifestation of sinusitis. The clinical treatment of headaches primarily targets the sinusitis itself. The causes of the headaches are twofold: one is the headache caused by the irritation of purulent secretions, and the other is the negative pressure headache caused by blockage of the sinus opening and the resultant intrasinus pressure. The treatment includes using medications that constrict the blood vessels in the mucous membranes and then clearing the sinus openings. Additionally, it is crucial to actively pursue anti-inflammatory and anti-infection treatments, primarily using macrolide antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should be paid attention to with sinusitis?

The precautions for sinusitis mainly include the following aspects: First, it is important to determine the degree and type of sinusitis. Currently, sinusitis is primarily classified into two main types: fungal sinusitis and bacterial sinusitis. It is recommended to assess the severity of the inflammation. For mild inflammation, conservative treatment is generally considered. For severe inflammation or fungal sinusitis, surgery may be necessary. Second, it is important to take precautions in daily life to avoid exacerbating sinusitis, especially by avoiding colds and opting for a lighter diet. Third, monitor the recovery of sinusitis in daily life and check for any possible complications. Therefore, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology (ENT) clinic regularly for follow-up.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is the difference between sinusitis and rhinosinusitis?

Sinusitis and paranasal sinusitis are considered the same disease because the sinuses and paranasal sinuses are actually part of the same anatomical location in medical terms. In the human body, they are divided into four groups of sinuses, totaling eight sinuses, generally symmetrical on the left and right. Overall, they are classified as inflammatory reactions, so sinusitis and paranasal sinusitis are essentially the same disease. The main symptoms include nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. If the inflammatory reaction is mild, there may not be particularly obvious symptoms, and it is usually discovered through a sinus CT scan. If the inflammatory reaction is severe, it generally requires consideration of medication treatment. If medication alone is ineffective and the inflammation cannot be controlled, surgery might be considered necessary.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat sinusitis?

The treatment of sinusitis is mainly divided into two major categories. The first category is conservative treatment, and the second category is surgical treatment. Most patients consider conservative treatment because it can effectively control the condition and alleviate inflammation, and the overall effect is relatively good. In terms of medication, oral medications are primarily considered, commonly involving the use of antibiotics combined with nasal sprays and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Additionally, physiological saline or seawater can be considered for nasal irrigation. Generally, the treatment period is about one to two weeks or more, and regular follow-ups are required. If it is fungal sinusitis, or if the effect of drug treatment for chronic sinusitis is not satisfactory, surgery may be considered. The surgery mainly involves minimally invasive sinus surgery under nasal endoscopy, which generally causes less damage and is quite effective.