What Is A Balloon Sinuplasty And When Is It Needed?

Chronic sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can disrupt your entire life. If medications haven't brought you the relief you need to balloon sinuplastyfunction, Dr. Kirby Scott, your ear, nose and throat doctor at Central ENT Consultants in Frederick and Hagerstown, MD, may suggest a balloon sinuplasty. If you've never heard of this procedure, you've come to the right place. Discover the functions and advantages of this procedure.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces in the front of the skull. People with sinusitis often have headaches, nasal drainage, a cough and a decreased sense of smell. If these symptoms persist for longer than 12 weeks, you've likely visited your ENT and have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.

How is chronic sinusitis treated?

Chronic sinusitis is a common condition - affecting about 15% of the population, according to the American Rhinologic Society - that often responds well to medications like analgesics, steroids or nasal irrigation sprays. However, there are people who do not find relief from these conservative methods of treatment. In the past, ENT doctors suggested sinus surgery as a way to drain and clean the sinus cavities. However, this treatment, while effective, requires several incisions and the post-operative recovery time can be lengthy. This is why many ENT doctors, including Dr. Scott in Frederick and Hagerstown, may suggest a balloon sinuplasty as way of treating persistent sinusitis that produces similar results with less side effects.

What is a balloon sinuplasty?

This is a minimally-invasive technique of treating recurrent sinus infections. Through the use of a tiny lighted tube called an endoscope, your ENT inflates a balloon-like catheter to dilate the sinuses and promote drainage. Studies have shown that patients who have received balloon dilations in their sinuses consistently show the same results as those who have had the more invasive sinus surgeries: their symptoms and activity levels improve and they are far less likely to need medication to treat any further sinus-related illnesses.

If you're dealing with chronic sinus pain, pressure and drainage, don't wait any longer. Contact Central ENT Consultants in Frederick and Hagerstown, MD to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott today!