Am I a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
Some people suffer from chronic sinus infections and find that they can’t get relief for too long. If you fall under that category, your doctor might recommend that you undergo a balloon sinuplasty. The procedure can improve the condition of your sinuses so that you can breathe better and feel better.
What is a Balloon Sinuplasty?
A balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that’s minimally invasive and can help you find relief from chronic sinus infections. If you are affected by bouts of sinusitis for over 12 weeks at a time and find that other treatment options are ineffective, a balloon sinuplasty might be right for you. The procedure is done by an ear, nose and throat specialist or ENT under general or local anesthesia.
During the procedure, the doctor inserts a wire with a tiny light to see inside your sinuses. A tiny balloon is inserted and inflated to help restructure the bones in the area. The doctor also uses a saline rinse in your nose to expel excess mucus, pus and other debris from your nasal passageways. The balloon is deflated and then removed. Your sinuses are completely cleared and expanded so that you can breathe better.
Are You a Good Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
A balloon sinuplasty isn’t necessarily the right procedure for everyone. However, if you have battled chronic sinus infections for a long time, it might be the best option available for you. You can have the procedure done alone or with other treatment options. You’re a good candidate if the following apply to you:
• You suffer from chronic sinus infections that aren’t cleared up by medication treatment
• Your symptoms from sinusitis include headaches, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, coughing and bad breath
• Your sinus infections aren’t caused by problems such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum
What is the Recovery Time for Balloon Sinuplasty?
A balloon sinuplasty is performed by an ENT on an outpatient basis, which means that you can get back to your normal everyday activities within one or two days after the procedure. However, for the first 24 hours after your balloon sinuplasty, you should avoid blowing your nose. You should also avoid activities that are overly strenuous for around a week after undergoing the procedure. It’s normal to experience some congestion, fatigue, bloody drainage or discharge from your nose as well. Those side effects should subside after about a week.
What are the Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty?
There are certain advantages you can enjoy from having a balloon sinuplasty. They include the following:
• It’s FDA approved
• It can bring you relief from your sinusitis symptoms
• It’s minimally invasive
• It’s less painful than more invasive sinus surgery procedures
• There’s a lower risk of infection
• There’s a lower risk of bruising or swelling
• There’s a lower risk of complications
• It carries very little downtime
If you’re in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area and are interested in getting a balloon sinuplasty, schedule a consultation with Alabama Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, LLC online at your earliest convenience.
