An End to Sinusitis
Do you suffer from sinusitis? You’re not alone. About 37 million people are diagnosed with sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health problems in the U.S.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissues in the sinuses. Rather than being filled with air, these tissues become engorged with fluid, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Often sinusitis begins with the common cold or an allergy flare up. It is also more prevalent in peo-ple who have a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
The severity of sinusitis varies, but common symptoms include:
- Stuffed up nose
- Facial pressure and/or pain
- Loss of smell and/or taste
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Congestion
Additionally, sinusitis sufferers may experience:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
- Headache
- Tooth pain
- Stuffed up nose
- Facial pressure and/or pain
- Loss of smell and/or taste
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Congestion
Balloon Sinuplasty for Sinusitis
When sinusitis doesn’t respond to antibiotics, nasal steroids, nasal rinses or over-the-counter medications, the symptoms can go on for weeks or months with little relief.
Balloon sinuplasty is a revolutionary procedure that safely and effectively provides relief from the pain, pressure and other symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Based on the angioplasty procedure used to open blocked blood vessels, balloon sinuplasty uses a small balloon catheter to permanently widen the passages of the large nasal cavities, allowing them to drain. No cutting or removal of tissue is necessary, making it much safer and less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. Other benefits include minimal bleeding, shorter recovery periods and reduced risk of post-operative infection.
In many cases the procedure can be done right in our office using local anesthesia, but it can also be performed on an outpatient basis in the hospital under general anesthesia.
Fast Facts about Balloon Sinuplasty
- Approved by the FDA in 2005
- Minimally invasive procedure that involves no cutting and no removal of tissue or bone
- Covered by most insurance companies and Medicare
- Most people go home a few hours after surgery and return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours
- Extremely low complication rate