Nasal congestion is more than just an annoyance. For millions of people, it’s a persistent problem that affects their ability to breathe, sleep, and go about daily activities comfortably. While over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments can help manage occasional congestion, chronic sinus issues often require more advanced solutions. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive sinus surgery in Los Angeles available at the Southern California Sinus Institute, known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).
Sinus treatment specialist, Dr. Alen N. Cohen, specializes in providing cutting-edge, patient-centered solutions for those suffering from chronic sinus conditions. If you’ve been living with long-term nasal congestion that doesn’t respond to medication or other conservative treatments, FESS could be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for.
Common Causes of Persistent Nasal Congestion
Before diving into how FESS can help, it’s important to understand why nasal congestion becomes chronic. The nose and sinuses play a crucial role in filtering air, humidifying it, and defending against allergens, pollutants, and infections. However, when sinus pathways become blocked due to inflammation, structural abnormalities, or repeated infections, congestion becomes a chronic problem.
Some of the most common causes include:
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses remain inflamed for 12 weeks or longer despite medical treatment. It often results from recurrent infections, allergies, nasal polyps, or anatomical issues that obstruct normal sinus drainage. Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pressure, postnasal drip, headaches, and reduced sense of smell.
Nasal Polyps
These noncancerous growths develop inside the nasal passages and sinuses, obstructing airflow and increasing mucus buildup. They are often associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, and chronic infections. Larger polyps can cause severe congestion, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose.
Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nasal cavity into two sides. When it is significantly off-center, it can obstruct airflow and contribute to persistent nasal congestion, sinus infections, and breathing difficulties, particularly during sleep.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergies trigger inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to swelling and excess mucus production. While medications can help manage symptoms, many Los Angeles area individuals experience long-term congestion due to prolonged exposure to allergens.
Recurrent Sinus Infections
Frequent sinus infections can lead to chronic inflammation and thickened sinus tissues, causing persistent congestion. This often results in a cycle where inadequate drainage leads to repeated infections, worsening the problem over time.
For many individuals struggling with these conditions, conservative treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, and antibiotics provide only temporary relief.
Also Read: What Does Colored Sinus Infection Nasal Discharge Mean? What You Need to Know
What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Los Angeles?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to restore normal sinus drainage and improve airflow without the need for external incisions. Using a small, high-definition endoscope inserted through the nostrils, surgeons can precisely visualize and remove blockages inside the sinuses, improving ventilation and reducing chronic inflammation.
This advanced sinus surgery accurately targets diseased sinus tissues while protecting healthy tissues for a quicker recovery. FESS has a much lower risk of complications than traditional sinus surgery in Los Angeles.
How FESS Works to Alleviate Nasal Congestion
FESS directly addresses the root causes of nasal congestion by:
1. Removing Obstructions
For patients with nasal polyps, scar tissue, or thickened sinus linings, FESS carefully removes these obstructions to open the nasal passages and sinuses. By eliminating physical blockages, normal airflow is restored, reducing congestion and improving breathing.
2. Improving Sinus Drainage
When sinuses are chronically inflamed, mucus builds up and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. FESS enlarges the natural sinus openings, allowing proper drainage and preventing the recurrence of infections. This reduces the cycle of congestion caused by trapped mucus and bacteria.
3. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic sinus inflammation contributes significantly to nasal congestion. By removing diseased tissue and promoting better airflow, FESS helps decrease inflammation, allowing nasal passages to heal and function properly.
4. Enhancing Medication Effectiveness
Many patients with chronic sinus issues find that medications such as nasal sprays, steroids, or allergy treatments become more effective after FESS because the nasal passages are no longer obstructed. With improved airflow, medications can reach their intended targets and provide better long-term symptom relief.
What to Expect During and After FESS
The Procedure
One of the greatest advantages of FESS is that it is performed entirely through the nostrils, meaning there are no external incisions or visible scars. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, although some cases may be done under local anesthesia with sedation.
Using an endoscope for precise visualization, the surgeon carefully removes or reshapes the affected sinus tissues while ensuring that normal structures remain intact. Depending on the extent of the procedure, FESS can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Recovery and Healing
Because FESS in Los Angeles is minimally invasive, recovery is significantly faster compared to traditional sinus surgery. Most patients experience:
- Minimal pain that can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
- Mild swelling and congestion that gradually improves within a few weeks.
- A quick return to normal activities, usually within a few days to a week.
- Improved breathing and reduced sinus symptoms within the first few weeks post-surgery.
Unlike older surgical methods that involved nasal packing and extensive downtime, FESS allows for a smoother, more comfortable recovery. Follow-up visits ensure that healing progresses as expected and that the sinuses remain open for long-term relief.
Also Read: What to Expect After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Is Sinus Surgery Right for You?
FESS is not just for severe cases, it’s an excellent option for individuals who:
Experience chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to medication.- Suffer from persistent nasal congestion that affects daily life.
- Have nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or chronic inflammation causing breathing difficulties.
- Get frequent sinus infections that interfere with quality of life.
- Want a minimally invasive solution with a quicker recovery time.
Experience chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to medication.If your nasal congestion seems like a constant struggle that prevents you from sleeping well, working comfortably, or enjoying daily activities, it’s time to explore a lasting solution.
Breathe Better, Live Better – Take the Next Step
At Southern California Sinus Institute, we believe that everyone deserves to breathe freely and live comfortably without chronic congestion. If you’ve been struggling with persistent sinus issues, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Take control of your sinus health, schedule your appointment now and experience the difference!