If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis and have exhausted your treatment options, you may be a candidate for balloon sinus dilation. This minimally invasive surgical solution is a safe and effective method of enlarging your sinus passages for easier breathing and a drastic reduction in sinusitis symptoms.
What Is Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is a widespread condition affecting 37 million Americans. This inflammation of the sinuses occurs when the sinus opening becomes blocked, preventing mucus from draining properly. It causes cold-like symptoms that include congestion, runny nose, sore throat, facial pain and swelling, loss of smell or taste, bad breath, fatigue and headache.
It is most often caused by viral infections, but can also occur as a result of nasal polyps, a deviated septum or head trauma. Medical solutions work for some, but others continue to suffer despite numerous attempts using a variety of treatments. Balloon sinus dilation may be the answer.
What’s Different About Balloon Sinus Dilation?
Conventional sinus surgical procedures involve cutting and excision of bone and tissue, a process that may cause pain and scarring and requires a recovery period.
In comparison, balloon sinus dilation is quick (the average operating time is 73 minutes) and relatively painless, and has a lower risk of complications or side effects. It is FDA-approved and considered a safe alternative to endoscopic sinus surgery.
How Is Balloon Sinus Dilation Performed?
Balloon sinus dilation is typically performed in an outpatient setting. You’ll be given either a local or general anesthetic before a balloon catheter is inserted into your sinus cavity. The balloon is then inflated in order to enlarge the sinus opening and widen the walls of the nasal passages.
A saline solution is sprayed into the cavity to flush out mucus and other debris; the catheter is then removed. The end result is open sinuses that enable normal breathing and drainage of fluids. Up to 95 percent of patients report a significant improvement in sinus symptoms following this procedure.
If you are interested in balloon sinus dilation, speak with your doctor or an ENT specialist. A qualified physician will take a look at your medical history and help you determine which sinus treatment options are best for you.
Stryker Sinus and Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation
The ENT dilation system delivers a unique combination of control and versatility for sinus and Eustachian tube balloon dilation.
Balloon Dilation
Conventional sinus surgical procedures involve cutting and excision of bone and tissue, a process that may cause pain and scarring and requires a recovery period. In comparison, balloon dilation is quick and relatively painless; it even has a lower risk of complications or side effects.
Balloon dilation is typically performed in an outpatient setting. You’ll be given either a local or general anesthetic before a balloon catheter is inserted into your sinus cavity. The balloon is then inflated in order to enlarge the sinus opening and widen the walls of the nasal passages.
A saline solution is sprayed into the cavity to flush out mucus and other debris; the catheter is then removed. The end result is open sinuses that enable normal breathing and drainage of fluids. Up to 95 percent of patients report a significant improvement in sinus symptoms following this procedure.
Eustachian Tube Dilation
The current treatments for Eustachian tube dysfunction are limited and invasive. While some options are able to provide temporary relief, others often cause more problems.
Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tubes works by crushing the inflamed mucosa so that it can be replaced with new, healthy mucosa. This procedure has a high rate of technical success and a low rate of any adverse events. Up to 98 percent of patients show an improvement in their symptoms.
Call Albany ENT & Allergy Services at (518) 701-2085 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
