Chronic sinus problems can interfere with your quality of life when you are constantly dealing with sinus headaches, stuffiness, pain, and pressure. If over-the-counter medications and treatments have failed to provide lasting relief, balloon sinuplasty could help. Dr. Gordon Siegel, the board-certified otolaryngologist at Midwest ENT in Chicago, IL, performs balloon sinuplasty and can help you experience relief from chronic sinus problems.
How Balloon Sinuplasty Helps
Balloon sinuplasty is a treatment method for opening up blocked sinuses so they can properly drain. The procedure helps alleviate stuffiness, pressure, and other symptoms. Patients are also able to readily breathe through the nose once again following treatment.
Balloon sinuplasty can be performed to treat patients dealing with any of the following issues:
- Chronic nasal or sinus problems
- Headaches and pressure around the eyes
- Nasal stuffiness and trouble breathing through the nose
- Chronic sinus infections that are not relieved by medications
- Persistent foul smelling breath or a bad taste in the mouth
The Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure
Balloon sinuplasty is performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that does not require any cutting or removal of bone or soft tissue. General anesthesia is administered to ensure patients remain relaxed and comfortable the entire time.
The procedure is performed by gently inserting a thin wire catheter with a tiny balloon on the end into the nostril. The catheter is slowly moved through the nostril until the sinus blockage is reached. Then the balloon is inflated, which opens up and widens the sinus pathway.
Once open, the sinuses are gently flushed out with a saline solution to clear out trapped mucus. After the sinuses have been opened and drained, the balloon is deflated and the catheter removed. Most patients recover quickly and can resume normal activities within two days of undergoing balloon sinuplasty at our practice. Following the procedure, the sinuses remain open, sinus symptoms are alleviated, and patients can breathe easier.
Balloon sinuplasty can provide lasting relief from chronic sinus problems. For balloon sinuplasty in Chicago, IL, schedule a consultation with Dr. Siegel by calling Midwest ENT at (312) 988-7777.