If you frequently suffer from sinus infections, you’re probably tired of the facial pain and pressure, congestion, and nasal discharge that can interfere with your daily activities and reduce your quality of life. Your symptoms can last for weeks on end or may seem to clear up, only to soon return in a pattern that keeps repeating itself.
A Balloon Sinuplasty procedure can provide relief for many people who suffer with chronic sinus infections by opening blocked nasal passages.
In this blog, Houston-based board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor and top sinus specialist Dr. Cecil Yeung will explain the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure and how to determine if you might be a good candidate for it.
What is the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure?
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that’s used to treat chronic or recurrent sinusitis – swelling or inflammation of three specific sinuses namely the frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses.
The balloon is only one of many sinus surgery instruments, and it is not usable for any ethmoid sinus diseases. Unfortunately, the ethmoid sinus has numerous cells, and they are prone to inflammatory diseases. Patients with ethmoid disease are simply not fit for Balloon Sinuplasty. Many offices have advertised Balloon Sinuplasty as a fix all procedure, and results have been disappointing. We take a balanced approach and identify when a Balloon Sinuplasty is suitable. We also redo many Balloon Sinuplasty cases done by other surgeons when the Balloon Sinuplasty did not work. The key is to understand, through an accurate diagnosis of your condition, whether or not you will be cured with the Balloon Sinuplasty.
This Balloon Sinuplasty treatment involves no incisions and no removal of bone or tissue. It utilizes a small, flexible balloon to open specific sinus passages. This allows mucus to drain normally and alleviates the pain, congestion, and discharge associated with chronic sinusitis.
Because no cutting is involved in performing Balloon Sinuplasty, the patient’s natural sinus openings and surrounding tissue are all preserved, hence little down time.
What are the top reasons for a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure?
A Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure provides patients with many advantages, including the following:
- Minimally Invasive: Since no bone or tissue is cut, there’s no scarring and little to no bleeding.
- Short Recovery Time: Since Balloon Sinuplasty is such a simple, minimally invasive procedure, recovery time is less than what’s needed for a more extensive surgery. Within two days after the procedure, most patients can return to their normal activities, making Balloon Sinuplasty easy to fit into your busy schedule.
- Quick Procedure: This procedure is done in your doctor’s office, so you’ll be in a familiar, comfortable environment. And it requires only local anesthesia, rather than general anesthesia.
Am I a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
If you have chronic sinusitis (a sinus infection that lasts more than 12 weeks) or recurrent sinusitis, you may be a good candidate for the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. Medication is usually the first type of treatment that your doctor will recommend to treat chronic sinusitis, but if this hasn’t been successful or has caused troublesome symptoms, Balloon Sinuplasty may be a good option.
In addition, you may be considered a good candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty if you have:
- Frequent congestion and yellow or green drainage from the nose
- Chronic sinus headaches
- Frequent migraine headache with sinus symptoms
- Frequent sore throat and hoarseness
- Ongoing facial pain and pressure
- Chronic congestion
- Four or more cases of acute sinusitis in one year
Finally a sinus CT scan is a must to determine the extent of the disease anatomy and if Balloon Sinuplasty is the best procedure for your condition.
Where can I find the best Balloon Sinuplasty procedure in Houston?
Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute is dedicated to helping our patients breathe well and live fully – free from sinusitis symptoms.
Cecil Yeung, M.D., has more than 20 years of experience in accurately diagnosing the underlying causes of chronic sinusitis and providing the best treatment available.
As a top sinus surgeon in Houston, Dr. Yeung is known for his accurate diagnosis, meticulous surgical techniques, technical precision, and high success rate.
If you’re suffering through the facial pain, congestion, and other annoying symptoms of chronic sinusitis, schedule an appointment with Dr. Yeung today!
