If you’re like many in Goodyear, you probably had a child-like fascination with balloons. (If you’re like a few in Goodyear, that fascination might have continued into adulthood. That’s okay – we won’t judge you.) Often the domain of birthday parties, clowns, and magicians, balloons actually have a place in health care, too. For those who suffer from chronic sinus infections, balloons might very well be the key to relief!
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
Approximately 37 million people in Arizona and across the country suffer from chronic sinusitis. This persistent inflammation of the sinuses brings misery and suffering to afflicted individuals; symptoms include sore throat, nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell, cough, headache, and fever. So many people have sinusitis it is the most common chronic condition in the U.S.
Sinusitis can be triggered by a variety of factors: infections, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and other structural abnormalities of the nasal passages can all lead to chronic inflammation of the sinuses. Treatment can be challenging; in some cases, home remedies and medications help alleviate symptoms, but for others, surgery is the only effective option.
Traditional sinus surgery involves cutting and excision of bone and tissue. It can be painful, and there is a lengthy recovery time. Fortunately, balloon sinuplasty has proven to be an effective alternative for many patients.
The Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty, in comparison, is a minimally invasive procedure with few side effects or complications. Most operations are performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Your Goodyear surgeon inserts a balloon catheter into the inflamed nasal passages and then inflates it to expand the sinus opening and widen the walls of the passageway. Saline is used to flush out mucus and other debris, and the catheter is removed. The sinuses are now open and, for a majority of patients, once the fluids have drained breathing returns to normal.
Sound too good to be true? The FDA doesn’t think so. They have approved this procedure and consider it a safe and viable alternative to traditional sinus surgery. The procedure isn’t right for everybody, but 95 percent of Arizonans who have undergone a balloon sinuplasty operation report significant long-term relief from their symptoms.
Many physicians who offer ENT services in Goodyear are qualified to perform a balloon sinuplasty procedure or refer you to a specialist. If you’re suffering from chronic sinus infections and looking for relief, your Goodyear ear, nose, and throat doctor can let you know if balloon sinuplasty is right for you.
