Breathing Easy: Understanding Sinusitis and When Surgery Might Be the Answer
If you’ve ever felt like your nose is permanently blocked, your face is aching, and over-the-counter remedies just aren’t cutting it — you’re not alone. Sinus problems affect millions of people, and while many cases resolve with medication, some stubborn infections need a more precise solution. That’s where advanced sinus surgery comes in — and where I bring my special expertise to help.
Rhinitis vs. Sinusitis: What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with a common confusion. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining — often caused by allergies, irritants, or viral infections. It leads to sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Sinusitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities — the air-filled spaces behind your cheeks, forehead, and eyes. Sinusitis can cause facial pain, pressure, thick nasal discharge, and even fatigue or fever. While rhinitis is usually treated with antihistamines or nasal sprays, sinusitis — especially when it becomes chronic or recurrent — may require more advanced care.
When Sinusitis Becomes Resistant
Most sinus infections clear up with antibiotics, nasal rinses, or corticosteroid sprays. But in some cases, the infection keeps coming back — or never fully goes away. This often happens when the natural drainage pathways (called ostia) of the sinuses are blocked or too narrow. Think of it like a clogged drain: if the opening is too small, fluid builds up, pressure increases, and infection festers. In fact, many ENT specialists liken this to an abscess — a pocket of infection that needs to be drained. Just as an abscess must be opened to heal, a blocked sinus must be surgically opened to restore proper drainage and airflow.
My Approach: Precision Sinus Surgery with Navigation
As an ENT surgeon with a special interest in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), I focus on helping patients with complex or resistant sinus infections. FESS is a minimally invasive technique that uses tiny cameras and instruments to access and open the sinuses through the nostrils — no external cuts or scars. But I go a step further. I use advanced surgical navigation (Stealth technology) and the Medtronic FlexENT system to guide my instruments with pinpoint accuracy. This allows me to safely operate near delicate structures like the eyes and brain, especially in extended or revision cases. The Medtronic shaver adds finesse, helping me remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy anatomy. This combination of technology and technique means:
- ️ More precise surgery
- Safer outcomes
- ️ Better long-term relief
Why Surgery Might Be Right for You
You might benefit from FESS if:
- You’ve had multiple sinus infections in a year
- Antibiotics and sprays aren’t helping
- You have nasal polyps or structural blockages
- You’re experiencing facial pain, pressure, or loss of smell
- CT scans show blocked or inflamed sinuses
FESS isn’t just about symptom relief — it’s about restoring the natural function of your sinuses so they can drain, breathe, and heal properly.
Ready to Breathe Freely Again?
If you’re struggling with persistent sinus issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation at Dr. Eras van der Walt. Together, we’ll explore your symptoms, imaging, and treatment options — whether that’s medical therapy or advanced surgical care. Your nose and sinuses deserve expert attention. Let’s get you back to breathing easy.
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