What is chronic sinusitis?
Sinusitis refers to swelling and inflammation of the sinuses, the hollow passages in your head, and nose. When this swelling and inflammation persists for three months or more, it’s referred to as chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis prevents mucus from draining properly, resulting in a number of symptoms that include:
- Mucus draining down the throat
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Facial pain
- Facial swelling
- Nasal inflammation
- Discolored discharge from the nose
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
- Jaw aches
- Bad breath
Many patients experience several periods of sinusitis before developing chronic sinusitis.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by several issues that block and irritate the nasal passages, including:
- Deviated septum
- Turbinate Hypertrophy
- Allergies
- Infections of the respiratory tract
- Nasal polyps
Conditions like asthma and dental infections can also increase your risk of developing chronic sinusitis.
If you experience continuous or recurrent symptoms, book an appointment at North Shore ENT to have your condition examined. Dr. Sorin has more than ten years of experience performing balloon sinuplasty, a nonsurgical technique used to relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
What is a balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is used to address obstructions and poor sinus drainage. It uses a small inflatable balloon to restore proper drainage of your sinuses.
Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive, nonsurgical alternative to surgical procedures that may require removal of tissue or bone. It’s a low-risk procedure that requires little to no downtime.
How is the procedure performed?
Balloon sinuplasty is performed under local anesthesia. After anesthesia is achieved, Dr. Sorin begins the procedure by inserting a small, flexible balloon catheter through your nasal passages. The balloon is then guided to the affected sinus and inflated to expand the area. Once proper drainage is restored, inflammation and swelling subside, and the sinuses return to normal.
Balloon sinuplasty is a comfortable and convenient procedure that causes minimal pain and bleeding. It can be performed in about an hour, and most patients return to their normal activities in just a day or two.
To find out if balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment for your chronic sinusitis, book an appointment at North Shore ENT by phone or online today.
