Breathe Better: Balloon Sinuplasty

Do you suffer from chronic sinus issues? As you know, these can lead to debilitating symptoms that include severe headaches, difficulty breathing, nausea and irritability. Many people here in the San Antonio area have trouble sleeping or enjoying the tastes of food and drink as a result of their chronic sinusitis. While some patients are able to find relief with the help of medication, others find that neither over the counter or prescription drugs can make their symptoms go away. For these patients, balloon sinuplasty can be an attractive option.

Why Do Patients Have Balloon Sinuplasty?

Our sinuses are cavities above and below our nasal passages. In some people, these cavities have blockages or are more narrow than normal. People with these obstructions are typically more prone to sinus infections, sinusitis and other issues.Chronic sinusitis is often treated with medications such as nasal steroids. However, up to half of all patients do not experience relief when they are treated with medication. For those individuals, a sinus procedure like balloon sinuplasty can help them get the lasting relief that they need.

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Sinuplasty is a surgical procedure that helps identify blockages and narrow areas in the sinuses. The earlier forms of this surgery involved removing large areas of tissue; this typically resulted in a long recovery time before the patient could experience relief.Balloon sinuplasty is an advanced form of sinuplasty procedures. A tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked sinuses and carefully inflated. This inflation compacts the walls of your sinuses, opening up the passages. The area is then flushed with saline solution.In all, the procedure takes about twenty minutes. It can be performed on an outpatient basis and has a quick recovery time.

What Happens During Balloon Sinuplasty?

Your doctor will use a form of anesthesia that is slightly sedating. Patients find this method more comfortable than local anesthetic. A balloon catheter is inserted and inflated. Then, the area is flushed with saline solution. This leaves the passageway restructured and widened.The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. No hospital stay is needed. Most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within two days of having their procedure.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Safe?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive treatment that can help open up sinus passages to relieve the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis. The procedure was approved by the FDA in 2005. This procedure is a considered an improvement over traditional sinus surgery, which involved removing bone and tissue. With sinuplasty, no tissue is removed, which means faster healing and less risk of complications.Over 150,000 people have had balloon sinuplasty procedures. Of those, 95% say that the procedure gave them relief from symptoms and conditions that include sinus infection, allergies and chronic sinusitis. Clinical data published in ENT journals show that the procedure is generally safe and effective, with no adverse events associated with the balloon sinuplasty device.Could balloon sinuplasty provide relief for your allergy and sinus symptoms? Contact us today to discuss whether this is the right treatment path for you.