Sinus Surgery (FESS): The Questions Patients Actually Ask — Answered by Physicians
Sinus Surgery (FESS) generates some of the most repetitive phone calls in any ent / otolaryngology practice: rinse routines, crusting, and when smell returns. PrepQ, a patient-education platform built by physicians and operated by PrepQ LLC, maintains 24 physician-written answers about sinus surgery (fess) as part of a library of more than 7,500 answers covering 700-plus procedures across 14 specialties. Practices that subscribe to PrepQ give their patients a dedicated phone number to text or call at any hour, and the platform replies instantly with content the practice's own clinicians have reviewed and approved in advance. Questions outside the approved library are referred back to the office, and any message that suggests urgent symptoms is directed to 911 or the practice instead of being answered by software. The result: patients arrive prepared, day-of cancellations drop, and staff stop repeating the same sinus surgery (fess) instructions dozens of times a week.
Real sinus surgery (fess) questions from our physician-reviewed library
A sample of the 24 sinus surgery (fess) answers in PrepQ's library. Before any practice goes live, its own clinicians review and approve every answer — and can customize each one to their protocols.
Do I need to see a doctor for Sinusitis in adults - aftercare?
It's a good idea to reach out to a provider if symptoms don't improve, get worse, or come back, such as ongoing facial pain, fever, or thick nasal drainage. If symptoms feel severe, such as vision changes or severe headache, it's important to seek medical care promptly.
Do I need to see a doctor for Sinusitis?
It can help to talk with a provider if sinus symptoms are severe, last a long time, or keep coming back. If there is ever trouble breathing, severe headache, or swelling around the eyes, it's important to seek medical care promptly. A care team can help decide next steps.
Do I need to stop blood thinners before sinus surgery?
It's important never to stop a blood thinner on your own. Whether any medication needs to be adjusted before sinus surgery is a decision your ENT and the doctor who prescribed it will make together. They will give you clear instructions based on your health. If you're unsure about any of your medications, it's best to check with your care team.
How much pain and congestion should I expect after sinus surgery?
Most people have mild to moderate discomfort, pressure, and stuffiness for a week or two after sinus surgery, often more like a bad sinus cold than sharp pain. Congestion is common while the lining heals and any swelling settles. It tends to ease gradually over the following weeks. Your ENT can guide you on comfort measures and what's normal for your recovery.
How to diagnose Sinusitis?
Providers often start with a conversation about symptoms and an exam of the nose and face. Sometimes imaging or other tests are used to learn more. A care team decides which tests fit a person and explains the results.
How to prevent Sinusitis?
Some general habits may lower the chance of sinus problems, such as managing allergies, washing hands, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants like smoke. What helps can vary from person to person. A provider can suggest steps that fit an individual.
I have clear watery drainage from my nose, a stiff neck, or a bad headache after sinus surgery — is that serious?
Mild drainage can be normal, but clear watery drainage along with a stiff neck, severe headache, or fever can sometimes signal a more serious problem and should not be ignored. It's best to contact your ENT office right away to have these symptoms checked. For a severe headache, stiff neck, or fever, emergency care may be needed. When in doubt, reach out promptly rather than waiting.
I have heavy nosebleeding that won't stop after my sinus surgery — what should I do?
Some light bleeding can happen after sinus surgery, but heavy bleeding that won't stop needs attention. It often helps to sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of your nose with steady, gentle pressure for several minutes. If the bleeding won't stop, or if you feel faint or lightheaded, contact your ENT office right away, as emergency care may be needed.
Is bloody drainage normal after sinus surgery?
Yes, some bloody or pink-tinged drainage is normal in the first several days after sinus surgery, and it usually lessens over time. Light oozing as the lining heals is expected. Heavy bleeding that won't slow down is different and worth checking on. If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is normal, it's best to contact your ENT office for guidance.
What are the complications of Sinusitis?
In some cases, sinusitis can spread to nearby areas or become longer lasting. How often this happens varies from person to person. A provider can explain what to watch for and answer personal questions.
Your staff answers these 24 questions by phone. PrepQ answers them by text, instantly.
PrepQ gives your ent / otolaryngology practice a dedicated number patients text or call 24/7. Physician-written answers, approved by your doctors, delivered in English and Spanish — with urgent messages escalated to your office or 911, never improvised. HIPAA-compliant, BAA provided, no EHR integration required.