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Sinusitis Surgery Doesn't

Have to be Invasive

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is sinusitis?

    Sinusitis - also known as rhinosinusitis - is an inflammation of the tissue lining of the sinuses that afflicts millions of people each year.


    Normally, sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, pathogens (bacteria, viruses and fungi) can grow and cause an infection. Structural issues such as narrowed drainage anatomy are often associated with sinusitis.

  • What is balloon sinus dilation?

    Balloon sinus dilation is a minimally invasive treatment for sinusitis. A small balloon is inserted into the narrowed sinus drainage pathway or opening, dilated, and deflated.

  • How does it work to treat sinusitis?

    Blocked sinus drainage pathways prevent effective drainage and healing. By expanding sinus opening and drainage pathways, balloon sinus dilation restores drainage.

  • How long does the balloon sinus dilation procedure take?

    Procedure length is dependent on your specific condition and anatomy. Discuss with your physician to learn more.

  • Will the procedure require any anesthesia?

     Balloon sinus dilation can be performed in our office under local anesthesia.

  • Is it covered by insurance?

    Balloon Sinuplasty is covered by most insurance and medicare. It is important to discuss coverage with our office prior to your initial visit.

  • What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?

     • Facial pain


     • Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead


     • Sinus pressure or congestion


     • Difficulty breathing through the nose


     • Loss of the sense of smell or taste


     • Sinus Headache


     • Yellow or green mucus from the nose


     • Teeth pain


     • Fatigue


     • Sore throat from nasal discharge


     • Bad breath

  • Does Balloon Sinuplasty work?

    Clinical research confirms that Balloon Sinuplasty provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by effectively opening blocked sinus passageways.

  • How long does symptom relief last after Balloon Sinuplasty?

    Results vary by individual. A clinical study of 1,036 patients at multiple institutions reported that sinus symptoms improved in 95% of patients at an average follow-up period of 9 months.  In another study, patients reported symptom improvement up to two years after having the procedure.

  • Is Balloon Sinuplasty safe?

    Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Balloon Sinuplasty is safe, minimally invasive, and significantly improves quality of life.


Answers from the Expert

Q: Will Balloon Sinuplasty help someone with a badly deviated septum who is experiencing trouble with sinus issues and antibiotics don’t help? Scheduled for surgery but not for 3.5 months. Looking for some help/relief in the short term.

A: Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) has been shown to be safe and effective when used by ENTs to treat patients with chronic sinusitis. It is a minimally invasive technology to manage sinusitis that has not responded to medical management. Balloon Sinuplasty does not correct a deviated septum but rather opens the obstructed sinus outflow tract. A deviated nasal septum can block the nose and/or sinuses. A deviated nasal septum may contribute to sinusitis by obstructing the normal sinus flow as it tries to get from the sinus into the nose. The deviated nasal septum may be corrected to improve breathing, relieve sinus obstruction in the areas that it is impacting the drainage pathway, or to gain access into the sinus. Short term relief for sinus symptoms usually comes from antibiotics, decongestants, and prescription nasal sprays. If these are not effective, then surgery is the best choice.

 

Q: What is the recovery time for Balloon Sinuplasty? I am considering the procedure and do contractual assignments. Could I return to work the evening following the procedure?

A: Balloon Sinuplasty offers a minimally invasive way to have sinus disease managed. There are some patients whose disease permits surgery in the office under local anesthesia. For others it requires a general anesthetic in an outpatient surgery center. Most patients are able to return to activities very quickly. For some it can even be the same day and for others it is within a few days. All of this is dependent upon what is causing the sinus problem, how much surgery is needed and if any other nasal procedures must be performed at the same time like removal of nasal polyps or correcting a deviated nasal septum. You should discuss all of this with your doctor.

 

 

 

Note: The opinions expressed are for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. The opinions are meant as an additional resource for people interested in learning more about chronic sinusitis. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in these pages are not intended to replace the care of your own physician. Before you make any decisions about treatment options, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.


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