What Is Balloon Sinus Dilation?

Living with chronic sinusitis? Find out how this minimally invasive procedure could help you breathe better.

No one likes hearing the word “surgery”. It can be scary when no other treatment options work for sinus problems and surgery is the last resort. And if you are dealing with chronic sinusitis you may be wishing for another way to treat your symptoms more effectively without invasive surgery. Our Southfield, MI, ENT doctors offer just that—a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure to treat chronic sinusitis.

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

It’s easy to mix up symptoms of a sinus infection with that of the common cold; however, sinusitis is characterized by these symptoms,

• Sinus pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Problems breathing through your nose
• Lack of smell or taste
• Facial pain and swelling
• Nasal discharge
• Sore throat
• Bad breath

Chronic and acute forms of sinusitis often share the same symptoms, the only difference is that chronic sinusitis lasts over 12 weeks and needs to be diagnosed and treated by our Southfield, MI, ENT doctors.

What is balloon sinuplasty?

Instead of using scalpels and other surgical tools like in traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not require any cutting, bone removal, or incisions. Instead, a small balloon catheter is inserted into the sinuses where the balloon is then inflated to help expand the inflamed sinuses. Then saline is used to flush out the sinuses before the balloon is painlessly removed.

Are the results of balloon sinuplasty permanent?

Whether your results last will depend on certain factors including the severity of your condition. However, it is rare to require another procedure after balloon sinuplasty. Most patients experience almost immediate relief and report relief for about two years after their procedure.

How long is the recovery period?

Since this procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed right here in our office most people can return to their normal activities within a couple of days. Of course, this can vary between patients so we would be happy to talk to you specifically about your recovery time.

Have questions about balloon sinuplasty? Want to find out if your chronic nasal condition could be treated with this procedure? Then let our ENT doctors help you breathe a bit easier. Ear Nose and Throat Consultants has locations in Southfield, Novi, Livonia, and St. Clair Shores, and also serves Detroit, MI. Call us today at (248) 569-5985 to schedule your consultation.