Chronic sinus problems affect millions of Americans, often leading to the overuse of antibiotics, steroids, and a slew of over-the-counter medications. Sadly, for many, medications and other treatments fail to bring long-lasting relief.
As Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists we sympathize with and are accustomed to tired and frustrated patients just like you who are searching for solutions and a better quality of life. Read on to learn if balloon sinuplasty could provide a long-term solution for you.
Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure to clear blocked sinuses that cause chronic sinusitis, frequent sinus infections, headaches, facial pain, and much more. The procedure was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005.
Commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure, balloon sinuplasty has revolutionized the treatment of sinus problems. Patients can now get long-term relief and from chronic sinusitis and reduced sinus infections in general in the comfort of their physician’s office, often with just local anesthesia.
Unlike traditional sinus surgeries, balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive and does not involve the removal of any bone or even cutting into tissue to restructure the sinuses. With the aid of a small flexible balloon catheter using a technique often used to dilate arteries in cardiac procedures, balloon sinuplasty easily and effectively improves sinus drainage by expanding the sinus passageways.
Performed in the comfort of your physician’s office, under local anesthesia to numb the lining of your nasal and sinus passageways, balloon sinuplasty effectively opens up and restructures the sinuses allowing them to drain more productively and thus reduce the chronic symptoms of congested sinuses.
Compared to most traditional sinus surgeries that require admission into the hospital or a surgical facility, balloon sinuplasty is also less expensive and does not carry all the risks involved with general anesthesia.
The procedure itself usually takes about an hour depending on the number of sinuses blocked and the degree of blockage. While local numbing is often all that is required, the experienced specialists at Carepointe ENT understand that everyone’s needs are different and oral or IV sedation may be administered for additional comfort.
Once the patient is comfortable and the area is numb the procedure can be started.
Balloon sinuplasty is an excellent treatment option for millions of people but it’s not for everyone. You may be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty if:
Following the balloon sinuplasty procedure, some mild swelling and congestion can be expected immediately. The forceful blowing of the nose and avoiding any activity that could traumatize the nose should be avoided for the first few days after the procedure.
Most resume daily activities after two to three days of rest. Only light exercise or other types of activities will likely be recommended and sitting or lying propped will also help the sinuses drain and keep the swelling to a minimum.
Some sinus sufferers feel relief almost immediately after the blocked sinuses are treated with balloon sinuplasty. However, for some, the effects may not be fully realized for three or four weeks afterward. When the once blocked sinuses start to drain, individuals relish in the relief from sinus pain, pressure, congestion, and many other symptoms frequently associated with chronic or frequent sinus infections.
Maintenance is minimal and usually only requires daily use of a saline nasal spray to keep the passageways moist and hydrated. Occasionally steroid nasal sprays are recommended to decrease temporary inflammation and swelling.
Could balloon sinuplasty give you the relief you are looking for? Do you suffer from chronic sinus pressure, headaches, frequent sinus infection, and other upper respiratory complaints? If so, don’t hesitate, contact CarePointe in East Lansing, Michigan today to see if you are a candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
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