Introduction
The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull that produce mucus. The mucus helps clean the air we breathe. Each sinus has a narrow opening that allows mucus to drain.
Sinusitis is swelling of the lining of the sinuses. This swelling can block the openings of the sinuses. This cause a build-up of mucus. This mucus can get infected. People with small opening are more likely to get obstructed. This is one of the most common diseases in the world. It affects tens of millions of people in the US alone. Patients with this problem can suffer from facial pain and/or pressure, thick mucus, nasal congestion, and decreased smell and taste.
When you have sinusitis, there are different ways to make you feel better. You might take antibiotics and steroids by swallowing them. You might also use a special spray or drops in your nose called saline irrigations, nasal steroids, and decongestants. If these things don’t work, surgery might be needed. Surgery make the openings in your sinuses bigger. This is by taking out some bone and tissue. A special procedure called balloon sinuplasty can widen the openings without surgery. This only works for some people and it depends on how bad your sinusitis is and where it is in your sinuses.
Balloon sinuplasty is a way to make the holes in your sinuses bigger without cutting or taking out any tissue or bone. The first step is finding the natural opening of the sinus. The second step is putting a thin wire or stick into the opening. During the procedure, the surgeon can clean out your sinuses with suction and water. They can also use a special light or computer to make sure the wire is in the right place. Then, a deflated balloon is put over the wire and into the opening. The balloon is blown up for a short time to make the opening bigger. This helps get rid of mucus in your sinuses. Studies have shown that people who get this treatment feel better and are happy with the results. One good thing about balloon sinuplasty is that it can be done at the doctor’s office while you’re awake, and it’s very rare to have any problems. Also, it doesn’t take as long to get better compared to traditional sinus surgery. Lots of people go back to their normal life in just a few days.
Procedure
Balloon sinuplasty enlarges the sinus openings without cutting or removing tissue or bone. The first step involves identifying the natural opening of the sinus.
The second step involves passing a guide-wire or probe into the opening.
Illumination or computer guidance can confirm the wire is in the correct sinus. Next, a special deflated balloon is passed over the guide-wire or probe and into the sinus opening.
The balloon is briefly inflated and widens the opening.
The wider opening can now empty and clear mucus.
Summary
If your medicine isn’t working for your sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty could be another choice for you. It’s a safe and helpful treatment for sinusitis. To find out if this treatment is good for you, talk to your doctor who takes care of your ear, nose, and throat.
Copyright © 2020 by the American Rhinologic Society