Are you sick and tired of the nasal congestion, sore throat, postnasal drip and facial pressure you have been experiencing for weeks and months on end? You may be suffering from chronic sinusitis.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages that prohibits mucus from draining properly. It is considered chronic when it sticks around for 12 weeks or longer and doesn’t respond to medical treatment. Chronic sinusitis is the single biggest chronic health condition in the U.S., affecting some 37 million Americans annually.
It is most often caused by viral infections, but can also occur as a result of nasal polyps, a deviated septum or head trauma. Medical solutions work for some, but others continue to suffer despite numerous attempts using a variety of treatments.
If you are one of those individuals who finds no relief from medical solutions, now may be the time to speak to your Mechanicsburg doctor about an in-office sinus procedure.
What is In-Office Balloon Dilation?
Balloon dilation is a minimally invasive surgical solution that is a safe and effective method of enlarging your sinus passages for easier breathing and a drastic reduction in sinusitis symptoms.
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, which requires cutting and excision of bone and tissue, balloon dilation is quick (the average operating time is 73 minutes) and relatively painless. It also has a lower risk of complications or side effects. It is FDA-approved and considered a safe alternative to endoscopic sinus surgery.
How Is In-Office Balloon Dilation Performed?
In-office balloon dilation is performed, get this, in our office. You will be given either a local or general anesthetic before a balloon catheter is inserted into your sinus cavity. The balloon is then inflated in order to enlarge the sinus opening and widen the walls of the nasal passages.
A saline solution is sprayed into the cavity to flush out mucus and other debris; the catheter is then removed. The end result is open sinuses that enable normal breathing and drainage of fluids. Up to 95 percent of patients report a significant improvement in sinus symptoms following this procedure.
If you are interested in more information about balloon dilation or would like to meet with one of our specialists, contact your Mechanicsburg ear, nose and throat physician today to schedule an appointment. There is no time like the present to finally find relief.
