Sinusitis is a common ailment that affects millions of Americans every year. Those afflicted suffer swelling and inflammation of the tissue around the sinuses. This causes them to become blocked and stuffed up with fluid, viruses, bacteria and fungi that can multiply. Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively recent treatment for this disease that is minimally invasive and can quickly alleviate symptoms. Here is how the procedure works.
Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved technology in which endoscopic procedures and a catheter are used to open up the passageways. The procedure uses a small balloon catheter inserted into the sinus. The balloon is then inflated in the same manner as a cardiovascular patient receives during a balloon angioplasty.
The procedure is performed right in the doctor’s office with only local anesthesia and often a low-dose anti-anxiety medication. The procedure is fast, with a recovery time of less than a day. Most patients can resume normal daily activities the morning after the procedure. Best of all, there is minimal need for follow-up treatments after the procedure.
The first option for treating sinusitis is generally to prescribe medication for the problem. Such medications can include everything from oral antibiotics to nasal sprays and steroids. Some patients, however, suffer from a chronic version of the illness that does not respond to meds. Such patients have symptoms that are so severe that they miss work several times a month.
In the past, invasive surgery was the only option. Now, for those patients with very painful and persistent symptoms, balloon sinuplasty may be the answer, not only for immediate relief, but for long term management of symptoms which can last for years.
The balloon catheter is inserted into the clogged sinus pathways and inflated. This forces the pathways to open up. As the opening occurs, the mucus and fluid build-up that are causing the inflammation and blockage are better able to drain.
As they drain, the nasal and sinus passages clear up. This allows the patient to breathe more freely and permits the inflammation to heal better and faster.
What makes balloon sinuplasty such an innovative and ideal solution for relief of sinusitis symptoms is that it is fast, safe and minimal invasive surgery. There is no cutting of bone or cartilage involved, and over a quarter million patients have seen their sinusitis symptoms relieved through this technology.
Many patients report improved quality of life for years following the procedure. In fact, recent statistics indicate that over 95 percent of all patients who receive this procedure report that symptoms continue to be reduced up to three years later. This is compared to roughly 3/4 of patients who receive traditional surgical methods.
Do you suffer from severe sinusitis that you have been unable to manage with medication? If so, balloon sinuplasty may be the right choice for you. Give us a call today for a consultation. We are eager to help.
