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More than 35 million people suffer from sinusitis problems every year around the world. Usually, if you suffer from pain, pressure, and other recurring and persistent sinus infections, you can choose from two treatment options. You could opt for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), or undergo medical therapy with antibiotics and steroids. You can now also choose a new, in-office procedure called balloon sinuplasty.

What is balloon sinuplasty?

It is a minimally invasive procedure which is meant to treat chronic and recurrent sinusitis. This treatment allows the ENT specialist to introduce a small balloon which expands and dilates the sinus opening and drainage pathways so that the built up mucus can drain.

How does the procedure work?

Chronic or recurrent sinusitis can prevent effective drainage and healing. If your first treatment options don’t resolve the inflammation of the sinus or the symptoms, then balloon sinuplasty may be the best choice for you. You should meet with your ENT specialist to explain and determine the procedure best for you.

The procedure is used for expanding the sinus openings and drainage passageways so that the mucus trapped within the sinus can drain. Once the ENT specialist locates the area of treatment and has applied local anesthesia, the balloon is inflated for dilation. Once the passageways are opened, the balloon is deflated and then removed.

Instant relief and long-lasting results

Balloon sinus dilation or balloon sinuplasty is a less-invasive procedure and your ENT specialist can easily perform it in-office. The main goal of the procedure is to expand the sinus passageways and restore the drainage functions. Small balloons are placed into key areas within the sinus passageway during this procedure and these are then dilated for expanding the sinus pathways. This treatment does not require the use of general anesthesia and you can resume your normal routine within 24 hours. Your ENT specialist will determine whether your sinus problems can be solved with balloon sinuplasty or other treatment options.

What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty?

If you suffer from sinusitis, you are probably living with headaches, sore throat, facial pain, nasal congestion and lack of energy. This happens due to the inflammation within your sinuses which could lead to an infection. Thankfully, you do not have to live with these symptoms and there are many procedures out there that can help you. One popular procedure is balloon sinuplasty.

When does your doctor recommend balloon sinuplasty?

If your sinusitis symptoms have lasted more than 3 months, your doctor is most likely to recommend a balloon sinuplasty procedure. Until a few years ago, the only option patients had was medication or an invasive surgery. Surgeons and patients alike have now realized the benefits of balloon sinuplasty over the traditional surgical methods. It is a faster procedure with a short recovery period which allows you to return to your normal activities within a few days. Any pain or bleeding associated with the method is also minimal.

Most patients hesitate opting for an invasive surgery which is not only time consuming but also leaves you with a long recovery period. Balloon sinuplasty is an easy procedure and done under a local anesthesia which numbs out your nose. If you choose this procedure, it also means you reduce your future healthcare costs.

Is this procedure for you?

Your doctor recommends balloon sinuplasty to you depending on certain factors. These include the intensity of the facial pain you suffer from and the sinus symptoms you are currently facing.

Balloon sinuplasty for chronic sinusitis

Balloon sinuplasty has been accepted as an effective and proven treatment for alleviating symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis worsen your nasal breathing issues and balloon sinuplasty has shown to bring a vast improvement in such symptoms. All your nasal obstruction issues arise from the sinuses which could include a deviated septum or an enlarged nasal turbinate. When you visit your ENT, the first step will be to determine the cause of your sinus problems so that the correct treatment option can be chosen.

Due to its less invasive nature, more and more patients and doctors across the globe are opting for balloon sinuplasty. It will help you enhance the quality of your life as well.