A sinus infection is an inflammation of the tissues lining your sinuses, the air-filled cavities behind your face. Facial pain, congestion, tooth pain, postnasal drip (mucus at the back of the throat) and fever are common symptoms. While many people may only develop the occasional sinus infection, usually after a cold, others deal with long-lasting or frequently recurring infections.
With summer in full swing, you probably don’t want to let a stuffy nose keep you from smelling the fresh flowers in Hulen Park. Balloon Sinuplasty is an effective treatment to prevent sinus infections and ease that scent-blocking congestion.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty is a quick, minimally invasive procedure. It follows a few simple steps:
- Your sinus specialist will apply a topical decongestant to your nose to minimize bleeding.
- They will apply a local anesthetic to the tissues lining your nose.
- They will guide a catheter and small balloon into the nose using an endoscope (a thin tube with a light on the end).
- They will slowly inflate the balloon to widen and unblock your sinuses. They may reinflate it for tougher blockages.
- Once they deflate the balloon, your sinus specialist will remove it.
You may experience temporary discomfort following the procedure, but pain is rare.
What Does the Recovery Look Like?
Following the procedure, you will need to take a few care precautions:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Rinse your nostrils with a provider-approved nasal spray
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Don’t blow your nose for two days
- Avoid strenuous activity, like running or weightlifting, for one week after the procedure. If you have an active job that involves a lot of lifting or moving around, you may need to take some time off.
Light bleeding from the nose is to be expected. As long as it’s not excessive, there’s no need to worry. If there’s enough blood to make you feel woozy, you should contact your doctor.
Your sinus specialist will likely schedule follow-ups one week, three months and one year after the procedure to check your recovery.
How Effective is Balloon Sinuplasty?
A 2021 study evaluated the outcomes of Balloon Sinuplasty over four years. The study found the procedure to be a safe and effective alternative to a functional nasal endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients experienced a significant long-term improvement in chronic sinus infection symptoms.
If you’re interested in exploring how Balloon Sinuplasty can improve your sinus infection symptoms, contact Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.