Unlike acute sinusitis, which is often triggered by a cold, chronic sinusitis isn’t short-lived. Chronic sinusitis drags on for weeks or months — even with common over-the-counter treatments. That’s because chronic sinusitis can be caused by nasal polyps, a deviated septum, hay fever, or other medical conditions.
For many of the 30 million American adults who live with the effects of chronic sinusitis, conservative treatments such as over-the-counter medication don’t provide lasting relief.
At Memorial Village ENT in Houston, Texas, Dr. Conrad McCutcheon and our team of specialists offer a variety of treatment options for chronic sinusitis ― including balloon sinuplasty. If you’re tired of headaches, facial pain, and a runny or congested nose, we can help.
Chronic sinusitis doesn’t just cause a runny or stuffy nose. You might experience facial pain, headaches, a sore throat (from post nasal drip), or even an earache. These symptoms aren’t just annoying ― they can even cause you to miss work or social events if you’re feeling under the weather.
A balloon sinuplasty can treat chronic sinusitis, opening your clogged sinuses so you get the relief you’ve been seeking. This is perhaps the biggest benefit of a balloon sinuplasty, but it’s not the only one. Here are five more benefits of balloon sinuplasty.
For a balloon sinuplasty, there’s no need for an incision. During the procedure, you remain comfortable under a mild sedation. A small tube guided by a 3D navigation system is inserted into your sinus cavity. Inflating a special balloon opens up your airway, and the cavity is cleaned and drained. That’s it ― no incisions or stitches!
Balloon sinuplasty is performed in our office, and it takes about an hour. There’s no need to travel to a special clinic or meet with other specialists ― it’s all taken care of in-house.
Minimally invasive procedures tend to provide faster recovery timelines when compared to traditional surgery ― and balloon sinuplasty is no exception. Most of our patients return to their normal activities within a couple of days.
Some nasal surgeries require nasal packing, which is the specific placement of gauze to apply pressure and absorb any bleeding. Remember, there’s no need for incisions or bone/tissue removal with a balloon sinuplasty, so you don’t undergo the same post-surgical discomfort.
One of the most rewarding benefits of a balloon sinuplasty is that the relief isn’t short-lived. A research article published in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, patients report relief for up to two years after the procedure.
Don’t let chronic sinusitis control your life. For more information about balloon sinuplasty and its benefits and to learn if this procedure could help you, contact us today to schedule an appointment. You can call our Houston office at 281-822-3777 or request an appointment online.
