What You Should Know About Balloon Sinus Dilation

Commonly called the balloon sinuplasty, this treatment is recommended by ENT specialists as one of the preferred treatments for sinusitis. If you’ve never heard of it, then you’re not alone— most people experience mild sinusitis with a cold or flu and rarely need treatment beyond rest at home. However, sinusitis can exist on its own and require a more effective treatment. Here’s what you should know about this option for relief.

It’s a non-invasive treatment that provides immediate relief

Sinusitis is caused by swelling in the sinus passages that prevents infected mucus from draining from the cavity. This, in turn, causes the sinus to remain infected and aggravates swelling. The balloon sinus dilation treatment uses a small balloon that is inserted within the sinus cavity and gently inflated, dilating the passageway and allowing mucus to drain. Because sinusitis sufferers usually experience uncomfortable pressure and pain, this technique can provide immediate relief. It can also be an effective treatment option when paired with other medications like antibiotics because it allows your sinuses to be rid of infected substances and begin healing.

It requires little to no downtime

Although sinus surgery was once the preferred treatment for chronic sinusitis, most ENT specialists prefer the balloon sinuplasty because it requires little to no downtime or incisions. This means it has a minimal effect on the surrounding tissues and doesn’t carry the risk of infection. Sinus surgery usually includes excising the swollen tissues within the sinus passageway that prevent the mucus from draining. The balloon sinuplasty simply dilates it, and patients usually return to their normal schedule within the same day. This means little discomfort or the need for pain medications.

It can be performed in-office with local anesthesia

Because this treatment is non-invasive, it can be easily performed at our Tuscaloosa office, after which you can immediately return home. Most patients undergo this procedure with local anesthesia because the dilation process can be uncomfortable, especially in cases of severe sinusitis. However, most patients also find immediate relief with this procedure versus sinus surgery which can take time to heal before the results are noticeable.

The balloon sinuplasty is one of your best options for sinusitis treatment, and our ENT specialists can recommend an effective treatment plan for you during a consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact our Tuscaloosa office by calling or filling out our online form.