Balloon sinuplasty can relieve symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty breathing.
Chronic sinusitis can make everyday life difficult. You experience pain in your nose and face. You also can have challenges breathing normally.
Rather than live with this condition, you could recover from it quickly by undergoing balloon sinuplasty. You can determine if this procedure is right for you by learning what it is and what benefits it can offer to you.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure that is used to clear blocked sinuses. It is relatively new and has only been in use since 2005 when the Food and Drug Administration approved it.
Since then, it has become one of the most recommended procedures for people with chronic sinusitis. It especially is useful for patients who have not experienced relief with other treatments like the use of antibiotics or steroid nasal sprays.
It also is one of the safest forms of sinus surgery. It has few risks of complications since it does not require the use of incisions or the removal of bones and tissues.
How is Balloon Sinuplasty Done?
Balloon sinuplasty is done as an outpatient procedure in most cases. You will be put under light sedation prior to the operation beginning. After you are sedated, your doctor will insert a small balloon that is attached to a tube into one side of your nose.
The surgeon will then inflate the balloon to force open the sinus passages. He or she will clean mucus, pus, and discharge that cause your nasal congestion. After cleaning out one side of your nose, your doctor will then insert the balloon into the other side to repeat the same process.
The operation takes less than an hour in most cases. You will remain under observation afterwards for about an hour to make sure that you do not suffer from pain, bleeding, or signs of infection. You will then be sent home to recuperate.
You should notice improvement in your breathing right away after the surgery. You also should be free of symptoms caused by chronic sinusitis like jaw pain, sinus headaches, and insomnia.
Recovery
Your entire recovery time after balloon sinuplasty will last from a week to 10 days. During the first week after your operation, you may notice bloody discharge from your nose. This side effect is normal and will go away on its own.
Your doctor will also prescribe you an antibiotic and saline spray to use to help you avoid infection. You should use these medications as well as any pain relievers as directed.
Finally, you should avoid using alcohol and tobacco after your surgery. Both substances contribute to nasal congestion and pain. You should follow up with your doctor at Nasal & Sinus Surgery Center to make sure that you are healing well within a month of your operation.