When you have been struggling with chronic chronic sinusitis and run out of treatment options, you might want to consider balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive surgical approach can enlarge your sinus cavities to make breathing easier and sharply reduce your sinusitis’ severity.
What Is Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is a condition that affects 37 million Americans. The sinuses become inflamed due to blockage, causing mucus to back up and improperly drain. The symptoms mimic what we associate with a cold: congestion, facial pain and swelling, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, inability to smell and/or taste, runny nose and sore throat.
While a virus is usually the cause, this problem also develops from nasal polyps, trauma to the head or even a deviated septum. While some people have found medical solutions for this ailment, others have struggled with relief after numerous procedures. Balloon sinuplasty may be just the solution to the latter group’s woes.
How Is Balloon Sinuplasty Different?
Normal surgical procedures around the sinus cavity involve cutting and removing bone and tissue. This approach can be painful, leave scares and take a while to recover from. Conversely, balloon sinuplasty can be done swiftly, with the average operation time clocking in at around 73 minutes, is comparatively far less painful and carries less of a risk of side effects or complications. This sort of procedure is done via endoscopic sinus surgery.
How Is Balloon Sinuplasty Performed?
This procedure is handled as an outpatient environment. The patient is given anesthetic before an inflatable catheter is plunged into the sinus cavity. The catheter is then inflated in order to broaden the sinus opening and extend the walls along the nasal passages. A saline solution is then sprayed into the area so that any mucus or other debris can be flushed away. Finally, the catheter is removed.
The final result of this procedure is opened-up sinus that allow you to normally breathe and drain fluids. 95% of all balloon sinuplasty patients noted a marked improvement in their symptoms after undergoing the procedure.
If curious about balloon sinuplasty, consult your doctor or an ENT specialist . Any qualified physician will be able to asses your medical history and inform you of your best options.
