Ear, nose, and throat doctors are specialists who help treat individuals who suffer from symptoms that disrupt their quality of life. Sinusitis affects 37 million Americans. Most ENTs will prescribe a treatment of medications to help alleviate pressure, congestion, and pain. But, some sinus issues are immune to these efforts. When all else fails, ENTs can prescribe sinus surgery options.
Today we take a closer look at balloon sinuplasty, how it works, and it's success.
The Role Our Sinuses Play in Health and Wellness
Whether you experience issues during the spring and summer or live with chronic sinus issues, it's not uncommon to wonder what our sinuses do for our bodies. Besides causing us a little misery at times.
Realistically, sinuses are a network of pathways and cavities. They run from our nasal passage, stop just before the throat, and are spread out throughout the top of the face. The maxillary sinuses are the largest located just under the eyes. In the center of the head is the sphenoid, and just behind the eyebrows, you have the frontal sinuses. The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes and the nose.
All of these areas work in tandem to help your body. They produce mucus, which helps in two ways. First, it moisturizes, and second, it traps bacteria, dust, and viruses from entering the body. The sinuses also buffer trauma to the face, humidify the air, and decrease the weight of the skull. Because it's so closely linked with the immune system, it's not uncommon for those who suffer from chronic sinusitis to feel unwell or run a low-grade fever.
Choosing Balloon Sinuplasty Surgery
Sinus surgery works for specific patients. Antibiotics, allergy medications, and nasal sprays are typically the first recommendations by ENTs. The goal is to reduce inflammation with medicines before undergoing surgery. When the body doesn't respond to these treatments, surgery would be the next option.
An ENT might recommend surgery if you suffer from sinusitis. Sinusitis is distinguished by the greenish discharge and congestion in the nasal passage. It's not uncommon to feel pressure in the eyes, nose, or cheeks. Deviated septums can reduce the airway and would benefit from an operation to restructure the nasal passage. Other conditions like swollen turbinates and nasal polyps restrict airflow for individuals making it challenging to breathe.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty and How Does it Help?
Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive procedure designed to help those suffering from chronic sinusitis. The surgery is performed by an ENT who will insert a flexible balloon catheter into the sinus passage. It's slowly inflated to open the sinus cavity and drain excess mucus. Many who elect to have the procedure completed feel instant relief as the fluid is drained.
After sufficient drainage, the balloon is removed. Due to the gentle pressure of the balloon, the sinus cavity remains open, allowing for better drainage.
What is the Outlook After Having Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is relatively new. The FDA approved it in 2005. It's highly regarded as one of the safest ways to reduce sinus symptoms for those who do not respond to traditional medical therapies. A study was conducted in 2017 that found this type of procedure increased by 59% between 2011 and 2014.
Another study found that out of 15 adults who elected to have the surgery found their symptoms significantly improved in three to six months without any unwanted side effects. Within one week of the procedure, many patients reported improved quality of life due to the alleviation of their symptoms. Similarly, the research continued a year after asking patients to give updates after the operation. Conclusively, the candidates agreed that they continued to feel improvements.
Sinus Surgery Options in Middle Tennessee
If you've been suffering from chronic sinusitis and are looking for relief, balloon sinuplasty might be right for you. Balloon sinuplasty is a specialist procedure conducted by an ENT. Before you can schedule the operation, you will need to schedule a visit with OAT for an evaluation. You can talk to your doctor about your symptoms and identify whether or not you’re a good candidate.
Still have questions? We have an ebook "Treating Chronic Sinusitis with Balloon Sinuplasty" that gives you more details about the process and answers your questions. Click below to download your copy.
