What Is a Balloon Sinuplasty – Palm Beach Sinus Doctors

balloon sinuplasty

What is a Balloon Sinuplasty?

A sinus infection is a common medical status experienced by people all over the world. In severe cases, it may lead to an inflammation of the sinus lining causing a great deal of discomfort to the sufferer. If left untreated, it can cause infection to the sinuses. Your doctor may advise you to undergo a balloon sinuplasty, but what is a balloon sinuplasty and how can it help?

Balloon Sinuplasty is an advanced procedure that eases the pain and pressure that comes with the condition. It is an effective and safe way of administering treatment to chronic sinusitis patients who do not respond well to medication.

When Do You Need a Balloon Sinuplasty?

In a chronic and resilient sinusitis condition, the blocked sinus drainage passages can frustrate smooth drainage and healing. When the patient fails to respond to the first line of medication and experiences recurring bouts of sinusitis, Balloon Sinuplasty becomes the preferred alternative.

Balloon Sinuplasty is an endoscopic, surgical alternative for people with chronic sinusitis who are having a hard time responding to traditional medication. It is a safe procedure that specialists apply to cure severe conditions of sinusitis. Balloon Sinuplasty aims to open the sinus opening and drainage passages to enhance drainage and bring about healing.

Patients with an early diagnosis can especially benefit from this treatment. Those with chronic, persistent sinus issues do find relief with the procedure, but not everyone. Normally, the following symptoms make you a viable candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty:

  • Having difficulties breathing through the nose
  • Persistent sinus issues that don’t get better after medication
  • Foul breath and a bad taste in the mouth
  • Severe nasal problems
  • Headaches and aching around the eyes

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

An ENT doctor performs this treatment as an outpatient procedure. The doctor uses a small and flexible balloon catheter to expand and enlarge the opening of the sinus and drainage pathway. The intention is to bring about normal sinus drainage without causing damage to the sinus lining.

Once the doctor locates the treatment area, he administers local anesthesia. Then, he threads the guide wire through the nasal opening to gain access to the blocked area.

Next, the doctor places and inflates the balloon just enough to dilate the blocked area and open the drainage pathway. It is the same as expanding an artery during a balloon angioplasty procedure. The next step is to deflate the balloon and allow the sinus to drain. After rinsing and cleaning, a specialist harvests a bacteria culture for further study.

Many patients suffering from the condition now see the benefits of using Balloon Sinuplasty as a treatment option. Doctors perform the treatment in an office using local anesthesia, or in an operating theater using general anesthesia.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty is quite beneficial to patients who have been experiencing long spells of chronic sinusitis. Aside from relieving the pain and the eventual healing, it has the following advantages:

  • Speedy recovery time
  • Low risk of infection
  • A septoplasty can be done at the same time to relieve a blocked nasal airway.
  • No bruising or swelling
  • Little pain
  • Little to no loss of blood
  • Opens up the airways
  • Most insurances and Medicare pay for the procedure to be done in a doctor’s office

Dr. Dedo is triple board certified in ear, nose and throat and facial/cosmetic surgery. He has been fully accredited by the AAAHC for 37 years. This accreditation affords patients the assurance of safety and credibility. If you are experiencing any troubles with your sinuses, contact us today for an evaluation to see if balloon sinuplasty might be a good option for you.