Is getting through the day a challenge due to constant congestion, headaches, fatigue and sinus pain? Balloon sinuplasty offers a gentle, minimally invasive way to treat your condition. With the help of Dr. Pankaj Gupta of Wake Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists in Cary, NC, this innovative treatment can decrease sinus infections and ease congestion and other symptoms.
What is balloon sinuplasty?
Sinus surgery used to be the only way to relieve congestion common in chronic sinusitis. Although technological advances have made it possible to perform the surgery endoscopically, the procedure still involves cutting tissue or bone in your sinus passages.
Faced with the prospect of surgery and a somewhat painful recovery period, some people in Cary who have chronic sinusitis choose to simply live with their symptoms. Unfortunately, chronic pain and headaches can interfere with your ability to function at work or school and may decrease your enjoyment of life.
Luckily, balloon sinuplasty offers another treatment option. During your treatment, a small balloon is inflated in your sinuses, widening the walls and easing congestion. Before your procedure begins, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to ensure that the minimally invasive procedure is pain-free. The balloon is inserted in your sinuses using a thin catheter, then inflated when it’s in the proper position. After the balloon is deflated, a stream of saline solution is used to remove mucus from the lining of your sinuses.
What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty offers several benefits, including:
Easier Recovery Period:Â It takes about a month to recover from endoscopic sinus surgery. When you undergo balloon sinuplasty, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities in about two days.
Less Pain:Â Pain is an unfortunate consequence of any procedure that involves cutting tissue. Because there is no cutting in balloon sinuplasty, you’ll experience less pain after your procedure. You may experience a sinus headache, which will go away a few days after surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication can help control any pain after the procedure.
No Nausea:Â General anesthesia tends to cause nausea and grogginess. When you choose balloon sinuplasty, you won’t feel sick after your procedure and won’t have any food or beverage restrictions before or after surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty offers an effective treatment for chronic sinusitis and sinus infections. Call Dr. Gupta of Wake Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists in Cary, NC, at (919) 851-5636 to learn if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.