If you have chronic sinusitis, you’ve probably experienced months of annoying symptoms and are looking for relief. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that offers excellent results for many people while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
In this blog, the board-certified otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) at New York ENT explain the benefits of balloon sinuplasty.
What is balloon sinuplasty?
This procedure is performed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors in order to open up and enlarge blocked sinuses. A small balloon is gently guided into your nose and sinuses, where it’s inflated and then removed. This is able to clear blockages and also enlarges the opening to your sinuses to help keep them from getting blocked in the future.
It’s minimally invasive and involves no incisions or removal of bone or tissue. Most patients can return home the same day, and since no incisions are made, there’s no scarring and minimal bleeding and discomfort.
When is a balloon sinuplasty performed?
This procedure is performed to treat chronic sinusitis – sinus infections that last for 12 weeks or more in spite of attempts to treat them. When an infection lasts this long, it can cause ongoing congestion, postnasal drip, fatigue, and other annoying symptoms. It may also be an indication that there’s a structural abnormality in your nose and sinuses that are causing a chronic blockage.
In addition to treating chronic sinus infections, a balloon sinuplasty can also be used to help treat snoring and sleep apnea that’s caused by a nasal obstruction.
What is involved?
The procedure is often performed in an ENT’s office, and you’ll probably be put under general anesthesia to help make you more comfortable.
Your doctor will use a guide wire and catheter with a light at the end to precisely view blockages and carefully guide the small balloon into your nose and sinuses. After the balloon is positioned, it’s inflated to clear out and enlarge the area, enabling your sinuses to drain normally. Your doctor will then remove the balloon and further clean the area out with a saline solution that will also promote healing.
Most people can return home the same day and resume their normal activities within two days. Pain and bleeding are usually minimal since no cutting is done during the procedure.
Where can you have a balloon sinuplasty performed in NYC?
The board-certified ENTs at New York ENT have extensive experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions, including chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea. We’re knowledgeable and skilled in minimally invasive procedures, including balloon sinuplasty, that offer excellent, long-lasting results while allowing you to recover quickly.
We put our patients first, providing customized treatment options and thorough, compassionate care.
If you’re experiencing congestion or other symptoms of chronic sinusitis, make an appointment with a New York ENT specialist today. We’ll determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and discuss possible treatment options – such as balloon sinuplasty – with you and help you get relief.
