What Is Balloon Sinuplasty And When Is It Needed?

Are you dealing with chronic nasal congestion or a nasal blockage? 

Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic nasal surgery that helps open up inflamed and blocked sinuses to help a patient breathe better. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, which is more invasive and requires cutting tissue and bone, balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive and offers a rapid recovery time. From the office of our Los Angeles, CA, ENT doctors Dr. Jahangir Sharifi and Dr. Cheryl Nocon, find out what makes someone an ideal candidate for balloon sinuplasty. 

What is chronic sinusitis? 

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is usually a minor infection that will go away on its own often without treatment; however, when someone deals with symptoms of sinusitis for more than 12 weeks, this condition is considered chronic. Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinus passages lasting more than three months. 

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include, 

• Decreased sense of smell 
• Facial pain and pressure 
• Nasal congestion 
• Postnasal drip 
• Stuffy nose 
• Ear pain 
• Mild fever 

What is balloon sinuplasty? 

A very small catheter with a deflated balloon is gently guided into the nasal passageway during this minimally invasive procedure. Once it is in place, the balloon is inflated, which applies the proper amount of pressure to open up the inflamed sinuses to allow them to drain properly. The area can then be irrigated to remove any remaining bacteria and pus. Once complete, the catheter is removed, and the sinuses will remain open. 

What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty? 

There are several advantages to choosing this type of procedure to treat chronic sinusitis, including, 

• Fewer post-surgical side effects, including bleeding 
• A quick, easy outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia
• You can go right back to your daily routine within a day 
• Patients often still experience relief from their sinusitis symptoms after two years 

Who should consider balloon sinuplasty? 

Even if our Los Angeles ENT doctor diagnoses you with chronic sinusitis, balloon sinuplasty isn’t typically the first course of action when it comes to treatment. We will prescribe stronger medications and other nonsurgical treatment options before resorting to surgery; however, you could benefit from balloon sinuplasty if,

A CT scan proves that there is a blockage or severe inflammation of the sinuses 

• You’re experiencing symptoms for more than three months that aren’t responding to nonsurgical treatments 
• You experience recurring acute sinus infections 
• You are still experiencing sinus problems despite traditional surgery

If you have questions about getting balloon sinuplasty or are ready to sit down with our Los Angeles, CA, ENT doctors and find out what might be causing your nasal congestion and sinus problems, turn to the experts at LA Sinus & Allergy Specialists. Call us at (323) 226-0022.