If you struggle with sinusitis, it might be time to seek a long-term solution. Thirty million people suffer from sinusitis and need medical intervention to manage the condition and symptoms. Balloon sinuplasty is a treatment for sinusitis for patients who require definitive treatment. Whereas most people are scared of new procedures, this one has been offering relief to thousand of sinus patients. Here is everything you need to know about balloon sinuplasty.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is an in-office treatment procedure that helps sinusitis patients get relief from blocked sinuses. It is also commonly known as balloon dilation sinus surgery. Patients with sinus infections and chronic nose/sinus congestion will get relief after this procedure.
Balloon sinuplasty has been around since 2005, and the Food Drug Administration approves its use. Since then, patients have been finding this procedure more convenient than any other treatment choice.
You may be able to get this procedure if you have been struggling with chronic sinusitis in place of surgery. It is just as effective as having sinus surgery, only that it employs a less invasive method, which is done in the office setting and under local/topical anesthesia.
What does Balloon Sinuplasty do?
Balloon sinuplasty opens the airways without surgery to remove any blockage. The doctor uses a balloon-like catheter which is inserted through the nose and into the sinus openings to carry out the procedure.
The method has proven effective and takes less time for the patient to get relief and recover. You will be able to carry on with your daily activities soon after the surgery.
The Procedure
Balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure, unlike sinus surgeries that require anesthesia in a surgical center. The process takes 20-30 minutes, and there is no significant cutting of tissue. That is why balloon sinuplasty has been gaining popularity among patients..
Most patients take a couple of pills an hour before the procedure that relaxes them and about 30 minutes before the procedure, topical numbing is applied to nose and sinus passages to numb everything. There are no needles during the procedure. An endoscope is inserted into your nasal cavity for a clear view and then a balloon catheter is placed inside of the nose and into the sinus cavities. A catheter fills with air as needed along the sinuses during the procedure.
The procedure remodels your nasal and sinus openings and clears blockages. Fluids like mucus and pus held up in the nasal cavity drain. Saline solution can help further clean out the nose.
Balloon sinuplasty takes about 30 minutes to complete. The patient is free to go home a few minutes after procedure with little pain or discomfort.
How Balloon Sinuplasty Helps
Clear the airway
When the air is fed into the balloon, it expands and pushes the airways wider. Through the process, the airways become open.
Clear fluid build-up
When the catheter gets to work, the open doorway lets out any built-up fluid, mucus or pus from your nose. The only reason they are in your nose is that they lack a way out.
Remodel your sinus doorways
After the procedure, the balloon is deflated and removed. In the end, your sinus doorway changes and becomes more open.
Clear sinusitis
Now that your passageways and sinuses are open, you can breathe better and you no longer have to struggle with sinusitis. Anything like pressure headaches and nasal blockage is now gone, and you can live your best life.
Reduce pressure headache
Balloon sinuplasty gets you instant relief from pressure headaches. The treatment frees up your airways and breathing. The blocked nasal cavity is what leads to pressure headaches.
No reaction to anesthesia
Since the anesthesia used is only local for the procedure, you have no risks with side effects of anesthesia.
Reduced sinus infections
Balloon sinuplasty significantly reduces the occurrence of sinus infections. Once you have the procedure, there is less room for nasal blockage and inflammation which means viruses and bacteria will not thrive. Without room for bacteria, viruses, and fungi, there are no more infections.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
People who have sinus problems like recurrent sinus infections and chronic sinusitis. Know the difference between sinusitis and the common cold before you get to the doctor. It can help you better understand your problem.
Sinusitis is a result of inflammation, fungus, viruses, and bacteria that block the sinuses. The inflammation of the nasal mucosa lasts for more than 12 weeks. There is a difference between sinusitis and the common cold, whereby sinusitis lasts longer and has distinct symptoms.
Patients have a myriad of symptoms.
- Facial pressure around the eyes, nose, and forehead
- Congestion
- Nasal obstruction
- Snoring
- Hyposmia
- Rhinorrhea or runny nose
- Halitosis/ bad breath
- Fever and tiredness
Does Insurance Cover Balloon sinuplasty?
Yes, 95% of insurers now cover dilation sinus surgery. That means that you do not have to struggle to pay for the procedure. However, there still could be some small costs that the insurer may not meet, but they are negligible compared to the overall cost.
What Are the Risks of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty has fewer risks compared to surgery. The number of patients choosing this procedure continues to grow among patients who need sinus surgery. It is so simple that the doctor performs the treatment in their office.
Since the procedure involves no breaking and cutting of tissue and bones, there are fewer risks to complications. It is an excellent alternative for patients with multiple co-existing health issues.
The following are reasons why balloon sinuplasty is better than other types of sinus surgeries:
- Minimal if any risk of bleeding
- Long-lasting effects
- Quick recovery time
- Reduced need for postoperative medication
If you have sinus issues and problems, expert nose and sinus specialist, Dr. Alen N. Cohen at Southern California Sinus Institute can help you. He is one of the best surgeons performing balloon sinuplasty in Los Angeles and has done more of these procedures than anyone in Southern California. As you can read on the Patient Testimonial’s page, Dr. Cohen has been a saving grace for many people who suffered from chronic sinusitis by performing balloon sinuplasty on them.
Contact Dr. Cohen for a free insurance verification and appointment by calling 818-888-7878.