Living with Chronic Sinus Symptoms
Sinusitis occurs when there is an infection in one or more of your paranasal sinuses. The most common cause of this type of infection is a cold virus. Other causes include allergies, asthma, nasal polyps, deviated septum, enlarged adenoids, dental problems, tumors, cysts, and foreign bodies.
The symptoms of chronic sinusitis vary from person to person depending on which part of the body is affected. They may be mild or severe. Mild symptoms usually last less than 4 months. Severe symptoms last significantly longer and often require medical treatment.
Risk Factors
Certain elements are known to heighten one's risk of infection:
- Tobacco smoke: Tobacco use increases the risk of getting sick with certain types of viral illnesses. It also worsens asthma attacks and reduces lung function. Smoking has been linked to increased rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, another cause of chronic sinusitis.
- Exposure to airborne particles: Pollutants such as exhaust fumes, industrial chemicals, dust, pollen, and more can irritate your sinuses and lead to severe infection.
- Infection: Certain types of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can spread into your sinuses and make them swell up.
How to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Infection
Many treatments are available. If there is evidence of infection, Dr. Trimble may advise that you start using an inhaler or antibiotics regimen. If your sinus problems persist, you may want to consider surgery.
Take our quick, convenient sinus quiz to determine which sinus treatment is the right option for you.
I'm ready for answersBalloon Sinus Surgery Before and After
Though endoscopic sinus surgery has traditionally been relied on, doctors and patients today are finding minimally invasive and quicker relief with the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. Recovery time varies with each patient but most who undergo the in-office procedure can return to normal activities and work within 2 days.
Locate
Dr. Trimble will use topical anesthetics to numb your sinuses. He uses a specialized endoscope to locate the treatment area and place a catheter with a very small balloon on the end.
Dilate & Restore
The little balloon is gently inflated to expand and dilate the sinus passageways. When the balloon is deflated and removed, the passages remain open to restore normal sinus drainage.
Relieve
Balloon Sinuplasty takes about an hour, and patients experience a feeling of immediate relief. They can resume normal activities quickly, and are able to return to work or school within 24 to 48 hours.(4)
Balloon Sinuplasty takes about an hour, and patients experience a feeling of immediate relief.
What our patients are saying...
See More Patient ReviewsPlease Note: Every patient is unique, and your results may vary.
- Weiss, et al. “Long-term outcome analysis of balloon catheter sinusotomy: Two-year follow-up.” Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2008, Vol. 139, pp. S38-S46.
- Karanfilov B, et al. Office-Based balloon sinus dilation: a prospective, multicenter study of 203 patients. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol; Nov 2012 Epub.
- Levine et al. Multicenter Registry of Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy Outcomes for 1,036 Patients, Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 2008, Vol. 117, pp. 263-270.
- www.balloonsinuplasty.com/what-is-balloon-sinuplasty/faqs