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 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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, divided into two types: one with nasal polyps, known as chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, and one without nasal polyps, known as chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps. If it is chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be performed to remove the swellings, open the ethmoid sinuses, and treat with medication. If it is chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps, clinically, antibiotics and anti-allergy medications can be used, along with some topical corticosteroids. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink plenty of water. The treatment duration for chronic sinusitis should be at least three months, and care should be taken to avoid colds, staying up late, and overheating. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of recurrent sinusitis

The symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are essentially the same as those of sinusitis itself. Symptoms can be divided into local symptoms, which are those of the nasal cavity, as well as some systemic symptoms, because the recurrence of sinusitis often follows a cold that leads to an acute recurrence. The nasal symptoms mainly include nasal discharge, primarily consisting of yellow pus-like mucus. There may also be nasal congestion or a sensation of the nose being blocked, as well as headaches. The location and severity of the headache depend on which sinus is more severely inflamed, which also affects where the headache is felt. Additionally, there may be a disturbance in the sense of smell, which refers to a reduced sensitivity to smells, or a reduced ability to smell or weak sense of smell. Systemic symptoms mainly include lethargy, feelings of headache and weakness, lack of concentration, and a general lack of energy. Overall, the symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are similar to those of initial sinusitis, with most being the same.

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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 three categories. The first category is observation and follow-up; the second category is medication treatment; the third is surgical treatment. If the sinusitis is very mild and does not have obvious clinical symptoms, and the nasal cavity is relatively clean, most of these cases can be considered for observation without particular treatment. If the inflammation is more pronounced, accompanied by nasal congestion, a runny nose, headache, and dizziness, most of these cases should consider medication treatment, which usually involves oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline can be considered. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and symptoms are pronounced, and if standard medication treatment is ineffective, surgery may need to be considered. Currently, the main surgical option is endoscopic sinus surgery. Generally, this approach is quite effective, causes less damage, and allows for a relatively quick recovery.