Do You Suffer from Chronic Sinus Infections?

If you experience nasal congestion or blockage, decreased sense of smell, continued postnasal drainage, facial pressure, fatigue, or headaches, you might have chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining oftentimes caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal organisms. Blockage of the sinuses caused by anatomical variations or swollen mucous membranes from allergies or other causes of inflammation predispose people to chronic sinusitis.

The first line of therapy remains medical which includes various combinations of antibiotics, steroid nasal sprays, occasional oral steroids, decongestants, antihistamines, saline nasal sprays, and antibiotic nasal irrigations. The specific medical treatment should be individualized based on your particular situation and medical condition. Most people respond to medical management; however, those who do not improve on medical therapy might require surgery to treat their chronic sinusitis.

Sinus surgery originally involved working in the nose and sinuses with a headlight and oftentimes required incisions under the upper lip or in various locations on the face. Approximately 25 years ago, endoscopic sinus surgery became available. This technology allowed the surgeon to look directly into the nose and sinuses using a scope. This provided much better visualization into the sinuses, improving the results and decreasing the frequency of needing to perform the external incisions described above.

Balloon Sinuplasty involves passing an inflatable balloon catheter through the nose and into the sinuses. The catheter is carefully placed into the sinus opening. The balloon is inflated, opening the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function, oftentimes without tissue or bone removal.

Sometimes Balloon Sinuplasty is performed in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery. The benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty include reduced bleeding due to less removal of tissue and bone, a procedure that is minimally invasive, and faster recovery time. Many patients are able to return to normal activity within 24 hours, and nasal packing is usually not required.

This is a very safe and effective procedure with no serious complications reported in a two-year study.

Balloon Sinuplasty is an exciting new treatment option for patients with chronic sinusitis. If you continue to suffer from chronic sinusitis, ask your physician at Colorado Otolaryngology Associates if Balloon Sinuplasty is an appropriate option for you.