Chronic Sinusitis and Sinus Surgery

Medical treatment, biologics and endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses lasting 12 weeks or more, with or without nasal polyps. Typical symptoms are a blocked nose, discharge or post-nasal drip, facial pressure and a reduced sense of smell. It is diagnosed by nasal endoscopy in clinic and, where needed, a CT scan.

Medical treatment first

High-volume saline rinses
Steroid nasal sprays, or steroid added to rinses
Short oral steroid courses for flare-ups
Longer, low-dose antibiotic courses in selected patients

Most people improve with medical treatment used correctly and consistently.

Biologics for nasal polyps

For severe nasal polyps that keep returning despite treatment, antibody injections such as dupilumab can shrink polyps and improve smell and quality of life. Access in Australia depends on PBS criteria – Dr Reddy can advise on eligibility.

Endoscopic sinus surgery

When symptoms continue despite medical treatment, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) removes polyps and diseased tissue and opens the natural sinus drainage pathways – entirely through the nostrils, with no cuts on the face. It is usually day surgery or one night in hospital. Most patients have a substantial improvement in symptoms, and opening the sinuses allows rinses and sprays to work much better afterwards. Major complications are rare.

Recovery

Most people return to non-strenuous work within 1–2 weeks. Saline rinses start soon after surgery, and clinic visits in the first weeks allow the sinuses to be cleaned and checked. Ongoing sprays or rinses are usually continued long-term to keep the benefit.

Frequently asked questions

Will the polyps come back? They can, particularly with asthma or aspirin sensitivity. Ongoing treatment reduces the risk, and biologics are an option for severe recurrence.

Will my face be bruised or swollen? Surgery is done through the nose, so there are no facial cuts and bruising is uncommon.

Will my sense of smell improve? Often yes, particularly when polyps are the cause, although this varies between people.

Patient information sheet

Download the Sinusitis information sheet (PDF).

Please note: the sheet is a general summary of the published medical literature. The figures describe groups of patients and are not specific to your condition – Dr Reddy will discuss your own situation and options with you.

Where Dr Reddy sees patients

Dr Reddy sees adults and children at Macarthur ENT in Gregory Hills and Campbelltown, and at My-ENT in the Sydney CBD (Macquarie Street). He operates at Prince of Wales and Liverpool hospitals (public) and Camden Surgical, Sydney Southwest Private, Prince of Wales Private and St Luke’s hospitals (private).

Referral

GPs, paediatricians and other specialists can refer via HealthLink (Macarthur ENT EDI: macarent; My-ENT EDI: myentdr), email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com or use the online referral form. A current referral from a GP or specialist is needed for a Medicare rebate.

Dr Rithvik Reddy

Expert ENT services for adults and children.

Contact for appointments

Referring doctors can email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com to make appointment

Macarthur ENT

Shop 2101, Level 2, 31A Lasso Rd, Gregory Hills NSW 2557

Suite 102, Building B, Level 1, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

Phone (02) 4625 1682 · Fax (02) 4625 1032

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

My-ENT, Sydney CBD

Suite 303, Level 3, BMA House, 135 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone (02) 9247 1762 · Fax (02) 9247 2141

Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm