Health library
Short answers to questions patients ask. Each article is general education, names the reviewing hospital team, and links to the related service.
Articles
Start with the question
- What is sinusitis?Sinusitis means the sinus linings are inflamed. A blocked nose and facial pressure after a cold are common. Surgery is not the usual first treatment.
- Sinusitis or nasal allergy?Allergy tends to itch and sneeze. Sinusitis tends to cause pressure and thicker discharge. They often overlap, so treating only one can leave the other.
- When might FESS be considered?FESS is endoscopic surgery that opens sinus drainage through the nostrils. It is considered when sinus disease continues after proper medical treatment, or when a blockage will not drain without surgery.
- What is navigation-guided sinus surgery?Navigation-assisted sinus surgery uses advanced technology so the ENT surgeon can identify and navigate important structures during complex sinus procedures. It adds guidance. It does not replace the surgeon's judgement, and it is not used for every case.
- What causes a blocked nose?A blocked nose is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Allergy, a cold, sinus swelling and a bent septum are the causes most often found in clinic.
- When should a child be checked for adenoids?Adenoids sit at the back of the nose. When they stay large they can cause mouth breathing, snoring and ear trouble. One snore during a cold is not a reason for surgery.
- What is PCOS?PCOS is a hormone pattern linked with irregular periods and sometimes with acne, extra hair or difficulty conceiving. It is common. It is not diagnosed from irregular periods alone.
- When should irregular periods be checked?Cycles often vary in the first years after periods start and again near menopause. They should still be assessed if they are very heavy, very painful, or unpredictable for months.
- What happens at a gynaecology visit?The first part of the visit is conversation: your symptoms, cycles and what you want help with. An examination or scan is suggested only when it would change the plan, and you can ask questions first.
- Common menopause symptomsHot flushes, sleep change and irregular cycles are common in the years around menopause. Bleeding after periods have stopped for a year is not something to ignore.
- When should I see an ENT surgeon?See an ENT surgeon when an ear, nose or throat problem lasts, keeps returning, or affects breathing, hearing or sleep. A single day of a cold does not need a specialist.
- Questions for a pregnancy visitA useful pregnancy visit ends with you knowing the next scan, the warning symptoms, and when to come in. Write the questions down.
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