If you suffer from chronic sinusitis or another condition that causes an obstruction to your airways, such as nasal polyps, you may be referred for Balloon Sinuplasty. This effective, noninvasive procedure opens up your airways using an inflatable sinus balloon, allowing normal sinus drainage to resume and bringing you the lasting relief from chronic congestion that you crave. Here is a quick guide on what you can expect from this procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure
Balloon Sinuplasty is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that the area will be numb, but you’ll be awake. The surgeon will gently insert the sinus balloon (also called a sinus catheter) into the nostril, navigate it to the obstructed passageway and then inflate it at the site. The act of inflation will widen the walls of the passageway without harming the sinus lining or nasal structures.
This procedure, unlike other surgeries, doesn’t require cutting the skin or opening anything up. Also, due to the anesthesia, it usually isn’t painful; some patients report a sense of pressure in their nose while the balloon is inserted, but no pain.
What to Expect During Recovery
Immediately following the procedure, you’re likely going to feel some mild discomfort in your nose. You may feel congested and notice increased nasal drainage. This will peak between 24–48 hours post-procedure and improve significantly by the end of the first week. Most patients are able to control the discomfort using over-the-counter pain medications.
In the week following your procedure, you should take care to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and avoid doing strenuous activities. You can also use saline sprays to hydrate the nasal passages and promote healing. Try to avoid breathing in irritants, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution or strong fragrances.
Long-Term Relief from Chronic Sinus Issues
While the recovery period may be uncomfortable, Balloon Sinuplasty is an incredibly effective procedure with a high success rate and, even better, a high patient satisfaction rate. Additionally, it has a faster recovery time than many other sinus procedures. You should be able to resume normal activities within a week, and you’ll enjoy long-term relief from your chronic sinus issues.
To learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty and if it’s the right procedure for you, our experts would be happy to tell you more. Call ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to hear more about how we can help fight your chronic congestion and sinus issues.