How to Care for Your Sinuses Following a Balloon Sinuplasty

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

A balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis, congestion and other sinus-related issues. During the procedure, your sinus specialist will give you general or local anesthesia to numb discomfort. Once the sinuses are numb, they will insert a small, flexible balloon catheter into your nasal passages. They will then inflate the balloon to gently widen the blocked sinus opening, allowing for easier breathing and reducing the risk of sinusitis.

While a balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. Let’s look at a few helpful tips to care for your sinuses following your procedure.

Rest

Woman irrigating her sinuses with a neti pot.

Following your procedure, your sinus specialist may recommend you rest at home for 24 to 48 hours. During the resting period, avoid blowing your nose or engaging in strenuous activity, including sports or heavy lifting.

Nasal Irrigation

Rinsing your sinuses with a saline nasal solution can help keep them clean and reduce the risk of post-procedure infection. Using a neti pot or squeeze bottle, pour a warm saline and distilled water solution into one nostril, tilting your head to one side to allow the mixture to flow out of the other nostril. Contact your sinus specialist if you’re unsure which saline solution to use.

Avoid Irritants

Environmental irritants can aggravate your sinuses, leading to inflammation. Irritants may include cigarette smoke, allergens, strong fumes and dust. If you have environmental allergens, it is especially important to stay indoors on high-pollen days during your recovery.

Use a Humidifier

Dry air can exacerbate sinus inflammation and lead to excess bleeding. Running a humidifier as part of your balloon sinuplasty recovery will help combat sinus dryness from hot Arizona air.

Stay Hydrated

In addition to running a humidifier, staying hydrated can help thin mucus and promote drainage for better sinus health during the healing process. Try grabbing a smoothie or juice from the Nekter Juice Bar for a refreshing beverage that keeps you hydrated.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments allow your sinus specialist to monitor your recovery and procedure success. In some cases, your specialist may recommend a second sinuplasty to improve your symptoms further.

By following these tips for healthy sinus recovery, you can help maximize the benefits of your balloon sinuplasty. To learn more about how this procedure can help relieve your chronic sinus issues, contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.