Many patients wonder whether their chronic sinus symptoms can be treated with medication alone or if sinus surgery may be necessary. While most sinus infections improve with medical treatment, some patients continue to experience chronic nasal congestion, facial pressure, sinus headaches, postnasal drip, recurrent sinus infections, or difficulty breathing through the nose despite antibiotics, allergy medications, nasal sprays, or saline rinses. If your symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks or repeatedly return, you may be a candidate for sinus surgery.

 

Sinus surgery is typically recommended when chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, structural blockage, or inflammation prevents the sinuses from draining properly. Patients who frequently require antibiotics or steroids, miss work because of sinus symptoms, have poor sleep due to nasal obstruction, or experience reduced quality of life from chronic congestion may benefit from evaluation by a sinus specialist. In many cases, minimally invasive procedures such as balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can improve sinus drainage, reduce inflammation, and restore normal nasal breathing.

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At SCENT Houston, Dr. Madeleine S. Herman evaluates patients with chronic sinus problems using a comprehensive ENT examination, nasal endoscopy, and when appropriate, an in-office CT scan of the sinuses. Treatment recommendations are personalized based on the severity of sinus disease, anatomy, and response to prior medical therapy. Not every patient with sinus symptoms needs surgery, but for the right candidate, sinus surgery can provide significant long-term relief from chronic sinus infections, facial pressure, congestion, and nasal obstruction.

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Patients throughout Houston seek care at SCENT Houston for advanced evaluation and treatment of chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, and recurrent sinus infections. Dr. Madeleine S. Herman is a Houston ENT surgeon specializing in sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty, and minimally invasive treatment options for chronic sinus disease. By combining advanced imaging, in-office CT technology, nasal endoscopy, and personalized treatment planning, Dr. Herman helps patients better understand the cause of their sinus symptoms and determine whether sinus surgery may provide lasting relief. Patients trust SCENT Houston for expert sinus care focused on improving breathing, reducing chronic infections, and restoring quality of life.

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Signs You May Need Sinus Surgery

• Chronic sinus symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks

• Recurrent sinus infections requiring multiple antibiotics

• Persistent nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose

• Chronic facial pressure or sinus headaches

• Nasal polyps or blocked sinus passages

• Poor response to medications or allergy treatment

• Chronic postnasal drip or decreased sense of smell

• Sleep disruption related to nasal obstruction​