If the sinusitis has become a chronic condition, and decongestants or rinses fail to clear up your symptoms, you could be a candidate for a procedure called “balloon sinuplasty.” Similar to angioplasty, balloon sinuplasty widens sinus passages that have become blocked, allowing them to drain.

 

This treatment is intended for chronic or severe cases of sinusitis that do not respond to more traditional medical treatments. Approved by the FDA in 2005, balloon sinuplasty is proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of sinusitis.

 

How it works

 

Although balloon sinuplasty is considered surgery, it does not involve cutting or removing any tissue or bone. Instead, a balloon catheter is inserted into the sinus passageways and inflated to open them. The procedure can be performed in either a hospital or medical office either under local or general anesthesia.

 

First, the doctor will flush the sinus cavity with a saline solution to remove any mucus. Then the balloon catheter, a very thin, flexible tube is inflated. As it expands, the balloon restructures the sinus passageway while keeping the sinus lining intact. Once the widening is complete, the balloon is removed.

 

Recovery

 

Among the advantages of this procedure is its short recovery time because balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive. You can expect to return to normal activities in a day or two. However, because complete healing takes five to seven days, during which you could experience some bloody drainage or swelling, it can be helpful to sleep with your head elevated and to take it easy for the first week following this surgical procedure.

 

You’ll need to take an antibiotic during recovery to prevent infection, and you’ll need to use a saline solution for several days to rinse the nasal passages. Most patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort.

 

Balloon sinuplasty has become a preferred choice for surgery in the treatment of chronic or severe sinusitis. Don’t hesitate to contact Baker ENT to learn more about this treatment option and whether you are a good candidate for it.