Montgomery News

• Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure.
• Of patients who receive the procedure, more than 95% see improvements of their symptoms.
• Balloon sinuplasty can improve other things, such as quality of sleep.

People of all ages around the world struggle with sinusitis and it can not only be a nuisance, but it also can bring negative effects on multiple aspects of life. Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free in Washington DC said while sinusitis is something that is often ignored as it is not as serious as some other ailments, it is important to address how to treat it.

“This is something that's almost ignored, in a sense," Khanna said about sinusitis. "It's not diabetes, it's not cancer, it's not something that's going to necessarily kill them. But it may shorten their lifespan, it may affect their quality of life. Because they're fatigued, because they're not getting enough air, and, let's say that these are people that exercise, and you know, why can't I do that extra lap? Why can’t I lift that extra weight? Because I feel like I just don't get enough air. This is part of every day, every minute of their life.”

Sinusitis involves swelling and inflammation of the nose and sinus, according to Good RX. One of the most effective ways to treat sinusitis is through a balloon sinuplasty. This procedure, according to healthline.com, is also known as a balloon catheter dilation surgery. Balloon sinuplasty was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005 and most insurances cover the cost. It can often be done in the doctor’s office rather than an operating room, where it would be more expensive. The procedure is becoming more popular as there is a faster recovery time and is less invasive than other sinus surgeries.

According to Good RX, the procedure involves otolaryngologists inserted a guidewire into the nostril to access the blocked sinus. A balloon is then inflated for a few seconds at a time, creating small fractures in the bones around the sinus to widen the passages. It is then deflated and removed, and a saline solution flushes out mucus. This is a procedure often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis, where symptoms last for more than 12 weeks, and where other medications haven’t worked.

There are several types of sinusitis, according to Healthline. Acute sinusitis lasts as long as four weeks and can be from a viral infection or due to seasonal allergies. Subacute sinusitis symptoms last up to 12 weeks and is often due to bacterial infections and seasonal allergies. Recurrent acute sinusitis is when someone has at least four episodes of acute sinusitis over the course of a year.

Fierce Healthcare surveyed 1,000 patients who underwent the procedure and found that more than 95% of respondents had their symptoms improved, with nobody reporting negative side effects.

Sinusitis is something that can negatively affect sleeping patterns, and the National Library of Medicine reports that 60% to 75% of those with chronic sinusitis sleep poorly. Sleep Review Magazine also reported that within a few days of balloon sinuplasty, patients are able to breathe easier and have less pain and pressure in the face, making it easier to sleep.

Visit Capitol Breathe Free’s website for a free self-assessment quiz for sinusitis symptoms and other information.