Treating Sinusitis with Balloon Sinus Surgery

Sinusitis is an infection in the sinus cavities. It is one of the most common health problems in the United States. For most people a sinus infection is an occasional illness that responds to at-home or antibiotic treatment. Within just a few weeks it is only a memory.

However, for about 20 percent of people, the pain of chronic sinusitis lasts for months and does not respond to traditional medications. For these people, surgery has been their only option for finding relief.

Traditional sinus surgery

In traditional sinus surgery, an incision is made through the mouth or skin of the face and an opening is made in the sinus. Removing a portion of the nasal structure and increasing the openings in the sinuses improve drainage from the sinus cavity.

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and recovery requires typical wound care such as removing and changing packaging and frequent saline nasal lavage.

Balloon sinus surgery

Balloon sinus surgery is the common name for the medical procedure known as Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP). It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in the ENT’s office. It is performed using an endoscope and no bone or tissue removal is necessary.

A balloon is inserted and inflated to restructure and widen the walls of the sinus passageway. This allows the sinus to drain naturally. As part of the procedure, the infected sinus cavity will be cleansed of any built-up mucous or pus.

It is performed under local anesthesia and the recovery time is very short, often just a couple of days.

Benefits of BSP

BSP might be right for you if you suffer from 4 or more sinus infections in a year. If you have chronic sinus headaches or experience facial pressure BSP can provide relief.

Chronic sinusitis that does not respond to antibiotics, decongestants, or other treatments can be relieved with BSP. In almost all instances, the relief lasts for years to come. Just imagine years of living without the pain, pressure, and discomfort of sinusitis.

If you have a medical condition that precludes general anesthesia, then BSP might be right for you.

If you want to be free of sinusitis symptoms without a long recovery period, then BSP can give you the relief you need with the minimum of downtime. Most Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of BSP. Don’t let cost stand between you and the relief you need. If you are ready to say good-bye to chronic sinusitis then give us a call and make an appointment today for a consultation.