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.
