02 Apr Could Balloon Sinus Surgery be Your Game Changer?

It’s not just the stuffy nose, constant drip, or painful pressure in your face.

When you have chronic sinusitis, a list of basic physical symptoms doesn’t tell the full story— or include all the many ways in which it can impact your quality of life. The emotional and psychological toll can be substantial when you feel sick for weeks on end and it’s a struggle to fully participate in your day-to-day life.

In fact, a recent article published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology reveals that emotional symptoms associated with sinusitis, rather than rhinologic symptoms, are the greatest influence in a patient’s decision to elect surgical treatment over medical treatment.

Balloon Sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure that can provide significant, long-term relief for those with chronic sinusitis. It’s a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional sinus surgery. After undergoing the procedure, the vast majority of patients report significant improvement in sinus symptoms and their quality of life.

Balloon sinus surgery could be the step that helps you finally break free of your chronic sinus problems. If you’re wondering if it could be your game changer, consider the following questions:

Do persistent symptoms impact your life?

Sinusitis is the swelling and inflammation of the sinuses, which may interfere with normal mucus drainage and cause the sinus openings to become blocked.  Chronic sinusitis refers to the condition that occurs when symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks, despite treatment efforts. Chronic sinusitis can also describe frequent acute sinus infections that reoccur several times a year.

Some of the most typical symptoms include, nasal congestion, facial pain, pressure or tenderness around the sinuses, sinus headache, post-nasal drip, mucus discharge from the nose, and decreased sense of smell.

Chronic sinusitis can also cause: disrupted sleep, cognitive dysfunction, difficulty concentrating, loss of productivity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, constant discomfort, and an inability to fully focus on or perform daily tasks. It may negatively affect your relationships and your performance at work. It has the ability to effect any or every aspect of your life in both minor and major ways.

While symptoms can range in severity, it’s common for people with chronic sinusitis to need lifelong treatment to keep symptoms under control. With Balloon Sinuplasty, achieving significant, long-lasting relief may be possible.

What’s involved in the procedure?

When medication fails to get the symptoms of chronic sinusitis under control or there is evidence of complete blockage of one or more sinuses, surgery may be a recommended treatment option.

Balloon Sinuplasty can be highly beneficial procedure for many patients and an optimal route when considering surgical treatment.

During the procedure, the physician places a tiny balloon into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses. Then the balloon is very gently inflated to open blocked passageways and restructure the sinus opening to restore normal drainage and function.

In many cases, the procedure can be performed in-office under local anesthesia. While recovery time varies for each individual, most patients are able to resume normal activities within 2 days.

Balloon Sinuplasty can offer several advantages over conventional surgery. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, there’s no cutting or removal of bone and tissue. This enables patients to avoid the associated post-surgery pain and scarring that can occur. Because the procedure is less invasive, the complication rate is low and recovery time is much faster.

Are you a candidate?

Your doctor can help you determine what type of sinus treatment is best for you. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis and medication has not been effective at relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty. It’s important to  discuss all your treatment options with your doctor.

The appropriate treatment approach depends on the type of chronic sinusitis, the severity of your symptoms, and if other conditions, such as allergies or asthma, are a factor.

Identifying any factors that may contribute to your chronic sinusitis and correcting those factors to the extent possible, can help ensure the most effective treatment plan.

To learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty and how to achieve long-term relief from chronic sinusitis contact our office today. If you’re sick of suffering from stubborn sinus symptoms, we can help you identify the best treatment options to help you take back your life.