My sinuses are always full of gunk, that is absolutely foul. None of the medicines I have been prescribed work. I am absolutely fed up with having a thick head. What type of surgery could be done for my sinuses?
An antrostomy and turbinectomy is the technical name for an operation that involves drilling additional drain holes from the nose into the sinuses, and removing the curly bones (turbinates—look like a turban) that are inside your nose.
People who have recurrent attacks of sinusitis often have small or poorly placed drainage holes from the sinuses, allowing them to fill up with foul phlegm. The turbinates are covered with a moist skin that is designed to warm and moisten the air as it enters the body, but these can swell up excessively to block the nose and the sinus drain holes. There are three turbinate bones in the top of each nostril, and normally only one or two are removed.
The operation is done under general anaesthetic, has no serious complications and is often very successful in giving relief to sinus sufferers. Ask your GP to refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist, who will consider your problem, and its possible surgical solution.

I suffer from chronic sinusitis. My face is one big ache. I can’t breathe, and feel absolutely lousy. I need help before I go mad!
Chronic sinus infections are best prevented rather than treated. This can be done by the regular use of chemist medications to dry up excess nasal and sinus secretions. If these are not sufficient, more potent medications can be prescribed by your doctor. There are also prescription nasal sprays that will keep your nose clear and aid sinus drainage. Some people may require low-dose antibiotics on a regular basis if they are particularly bad.
Operations to improve the drainage of the sinuses and remove the phlegm-secreting lining of the nose are the best option in those who have suffered repeatedly over several years. Once a sinus infection is present, antibiotics are essential. The congestion in the sinuses may also be relieved by physiotherapists using short-wave treatment to liquefy solid phlegm, or by doctors washing out the sinuses.

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