If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you’re not alone. Nearly 30 million Americans know the problems associated with chronic sinusitis, including headaches, tenderness around the eyes and cheeks, nasal pressure and difficulty breathing. In fact, Toledo consistently ranks in the top 20 “Fall Allergy Capitals” annual list from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
The experienced doctors at ENT Physicians, Inc., have a solution – a non-surgical procedure called balloon sinuplasty.
What is balloon sinuplasty?
The procedure involves inserting a catheter into the nose, up to the blocked sinus cavity. The ENT professional slowly inflates a small balloon, widening and restructuring sinus walls. This process allows blocked mucus to drain from the sinus and restores regular drainage. No surgery is involved and the technique takes about two hours or less.
Patients whose sinusitis does not respond well to over-the-counter drugs, antibiotics or nasal steroids benefit from balloon sinuplasty.
How does balloon sinuplasty work?
- A guide catheter is inserted into the sinus cavity
- The balloon is positioned and inflated to open the narrowed or blocked sinus opening
- A saline irrigation is used to flush out pus and mucus
- The catheter and balloon are removed and normal sinus drainage resumes.
ENT professionals perform balloon sinuplasty under local anesthesia. Because the procedure is safe, effective and minimally invasive, most patients have a 48-hour or less recovery time. Patients also report chronic sinusitis symptoms were greatly relieved or disappeared for at least a year; many see no return of symptoms for two years.
Is balloon sinuplasty right for me?
If your chronic sinusitis has lasted more than 12 weeks or you have four or more infections each year, you may benefit from balloon sinuplasty. The procedure helps most patients who do not benefit from antibiotics, nasal steroids or over-the-counter medications. Your symptoms may include facial pain and pressure, a fullness in your ears and sinuses and a thick nasal discharge. Our skilled ENT physicians can provide a more detailed evaluation and analysis during an office visit and will find the right solution for you.
Balloon sinuplasty is safe and effective for adults and children and because it is not an invasive procedure, it does not limit future treatment options.