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Understanding Balloon Sinus Dilation: A Non-Surgical Solution for Sinus Problems
Having to deal with sinus issues can be a huge burden. Common symptoms like blocked nasal passages, postnasal drip, headaches, sneezing, coughing, and fatigue can quickly impact your ability to accomplish simple daily tasks and soon, decrease the quality of your life.
If you are tired of sinus problems, you should consider scheduling a consultation with your care provider. An ENT specialist can get to the bottom of your problems and suggest various medical interventions to manage your symptoms. If medications don’t work, they might recommend a procedure called balloon sinus dilation. Here’s everything you need to know about the minimally invasive procedure:
What Is Balloon Sinus Dilation?
Balloon sinus dilation, also known as balloon sinuplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat chronic and recurrent sinusitis. During the procedure, a small balloon catheter is inserted into the sinus cavities and gently inflated once situated inside. This will reshape the patient’s nasal passages, improve mucus drainage, and alleviate other symptoms; it is often recommended when other medications prove to be ineffective.
As an outpatient procedure typically using local anesthesia, the procedure doesn’t require making any cuts or incisions on the treatment area. Patients can have the procedure and go home on the same day, enjoying the benefits of a quick recovery time.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates for the Procedure?
It’s important to remember that not all patients with sinus problems will be ideal candidates for the procedure. Your care provider might suggest the procedure if you meet the following criteria:
- You experience common sinusitis symptoms like coughing, headaches, and facial pain/pressure.
- You have difficulty breathing through your nose.
- Your symptoms haven’t improved with other forms of medication or treatments.
- You do not have nasal polyps (overgrowths of tissue in the sinus cavities).
- You suffer from chronic sinus infections (sinusitis) that impact your quality of life.
The Benefits of Balloon Sinus Dilation
Balloon sinus dilation is slowly becoming a standard of care thanks to the many benefits it offers to patients. These benefits include:
- It is a minimally invasive procedure
Balloon sinus dilation is a minimally invasive procedure. It corrects the patient’s nasal anatomy without making cuts, incisions, or bone and tissue removal. It improves mucus drainage and helps patients breathe better through the nose.
- It has a quick recovery time
Balloon sinuplasty is known for its quick recovery time. It’s an outpatient procedure and also minimally invasive, allowing patients to have the procedure and go home on the same day. Most patients can return to their normal activities about 24 hours after the procedure. Of course, you should always follow your doctor’s professional advice.
- It has minimal side effects
A balloon sinuplasty for your sinus problems means you enjoy the benefits with little to no side effects. Some side effects you can expect include some swelling, bleeding, and pain. These are often minimal and will subside as you heal.
- It provides long-term relief
Balloon sinus dilation offers long-term relief from sinusitis symptoms. Because it reshapes the patient’s nasal anatomy, it can significantly improve mucus drainage and improve breathing. The procedure can also reduce the frequency and severity of sinusitis symptoms. Your care provider will recommend the procedure if you have not found success with other medications and other forms of treatments.
While actual results will vary from one person to another, many patients reported long-lasting relief and an improved quality of life.
- It is safe and effective
Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved procedure. About 96% of patients who had the procedure happily report drastic improvements in their sinus problems.
How Does the Procedure Go?
Before the procedure starts, your doctor will use local anesthesia on the nasal area to numb it. Then, a small balloon catheter will be inserted inside the sinus cavity. This balloon will be gently inflated – this will widen and reshape the sinus passages. This improves mucus drainage and breathing. It is an outpatient procedure so patients can go home on the same day.
How Is Recovery and Life After the Procedure?
Post-procedure recovery will vary depending on the patient but balloon sinuplasty boasts a quick recovery time. Most patients can return to their normal activities about 24 hours after the procedure. As with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects including swelling, bleeding, and pain. These are likely to be minimal.
Your doctor will give you post-procedure care instructions so make sure to follow them. Rest at home for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and during this time, it would be best to avoid blowing your nose. You can use a nasal spray to rinse the insides of your nose. You might also be advised to refrain from strenuous activities for about a week after the procedure.
Dallas Breathe Free Is an Expert in Balloon Sinus Dilation
Dallas Breathe Free is an expert provider of balloon sinus dilation. We recognize the pain of dealing with sinus problems and we are deeply committed to providing our patients the best treatment options to address their concerns. Schedule a consultation with our team today and start your journey towards better and clearer breathing!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.