For most people, a stuffy nose is a minor, brief nuisance experienced occasionally. For people with chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion is just one of the many bothersome symptoms that plague their daily lives.
If you’re one of the 40 million Americans living with the discomfort and health effects of sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty can provide much-needed relief.
At Southern ENT Associates, our team of otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and treating bothersome sinus problems. Once you receive a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, we discuss recommended treatment options.
Balloon sinuplasty is a type of endoscopic nasal surgery that benefits patients with chronic sinusitis. It is especially beneficial when other treatment options have failed to resolve your sinus issues.
Sinusitis basics
When you receive a diagnosis of sinusitis, it means the tissues that line your sinuses are inflamed. Nearly everyone experiences sinus swelling at some point in their lives. It usually goes away on its own. But chronic sinusitis lasts at least 12 weeks and causes:
- Nasal pain
- Nasal pressure
- Narrowed or blocked sinuses
- Trouble breathing through your nose
- Headaches
- Facial pain and pressure
- Discomfort around your eyes and nose
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
These symptoms can affect other aspects of your health. People with chronic sinusitis report:
- Problems sleeping
- Daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Trouble focusing
What is balloon sinuplasty?
Chronic sinusitis can cause your sinuses to become narrow and partially or fully block airflow. This has a major impact on sinus function.
When your sinuses drain improperly, the risk of infection and nasal growth increases. The narrow space makes it difficult to breathe properly through your nose.
Balloon sinuplasty involves opening blocked or narrowed sinuses to restore proper nasal function. It is commonly recommended when symptoms are difficult to control with medication alone.
How do you perform balloon sinuplasty?
To perform balloon sinuplasty, we insert small, flexible balloon catheters into your sinuses before inflating them. This procedure opens blocked sinuses and restores sinus drainage.
When inflated, the balloon restructures your sinuses so that they remain open. Widening the sinuses restores airflow and proper sinus functioning. We then deflate the balloon before removing it.
Balloon sinuplasty may be used with other treatment options. It’s safe, effective, and minimally invasive. There’s no cutting involved in this in-office treatment.
Balloon sinuplasty as a solution for difficult-to-treat sinusitis
Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved treatment that is proven safe and effective. It carries minimal risks and is an excellent option if you want relief from sinus pain and other sinusitis symptoms without the stress of a hospital operating room procedure.
Relief from long-term sinus problems
Sinus problems can strike at any age. Allergies and structural abnormalities are one of the most common causes of sinusitis.
Many people suffer needlessly for years before seeking professional help for sinusitis. The pain, nasal congestion, and trouble breathing through the nose can take their toll. Fortunately, balloon sinuplasty can provide long-term relief.
If you’re struggling with a stuffy nose and sinus symptoms that just won’t seem to go away, schedule a visit with one of our Southern ENT Associates providers today to find out if you’re a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Our offices are located in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, and Youngsville, Louisiana.