Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses that is frequently accompanied with a sinus infection. Colds or bacterial infections are the most common causes of acute sinusitis. It normally lasts approximately 10 days, but it can last up to a month. Most people require little or no treatment to recover.
When you experience four or more bouts of acute sinusitis per year with no symptoms in between, you have recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. This differs from chronic sinusitis in that the symptoms of chronic sinusitis do not go away for long periods of time. You’ll experience symptom-free periods between sinus infections if you have recurrent sinusitis.
Sinusitis is classified into two types: chronic and acute. Chronic sinusitis develops when your nasal passages and sinus canals are inflamed for an extended period of time (usually three months or more).
Chronic sinusitis is a long-term infection and inflammation of the sinuses. It can remain for a long time, usually more than 12 weeks. Sinuses are four pairs of cavities (spaces) in the skull. These areas are linked together by tiny canals. The four gaps are named for the bones that surround them: ethmoidal, sphenoidal, frontal, and maxillary. The sinuses produce thin mucus that drains via the nasal canals. This drainage functions as a filtration system, keeping the nose clean and bacteria-free.
As the sinuses get blocked and filled with fluid, they can become infected. This is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis is classified into four types: acute, subacute, chronic, and recurring. Acute sinusitis, unlike chronic sinusitis, normally lasts only a few days but can last up to four weeks before clearing up with minimum or no therapy. Persistent sinusitis may necessitate a variety of treatments. Surgery may be required in severe cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to conventional treatments.
Chronic sinusitis differs from recurrent sinusitis in that the symptoms of chronic sinusitis do not go away for long periods of time. You experience four or more bouts of sinusitis in a year with recurrent sinusitis, but you also have symptom-free periods in between.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. During the procedure, a small, flexible balloon catheter is inserted into the sinus cavity through the nostril. The balloon is then inflated, which gently widens the sinus opening, allowing for better drainage and ventilation of the sinuses.
Balloon sinuplasty is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two. It has a lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional sinus surgery.
Candidates for balloon sinuplasty are typically people who have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and have not found relief from other treatments, such as medications or nasal sprays.
Before recommending balloon sinuplasty, a doctor will typically perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies such as a CT scan or an MRI, as well as a nasal endoscopy to examine the sinus passages. Candidates for the procedure should have relatively normal sinus anatomy and should not have any underlying medical conditions that would make the procedure unsafe, such as bleeding disorders or severe respiratory problems.
The procedure may not be appropriate for people with severely blocked sinuses or extensive scarring in the sinuses. Ultimately, the decision to undergo balloon sinuplasty should be made in consultation with a doctor, who can help determine whether the procedure is appropriate and can provide guidance on other treatment options.
Balloon Sinuplasty offers several benefits over traditional sinus surgery, including:
Safe and Effective
While the use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have indicated the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.
Minimally Invasive
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed using local anesthesia, which means that it does not require general anesthesia and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
Quick Recovery Time
The recovery time for balloon sinuplasty is generally much shorter than that for traditional sinus surgery. Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two after the procedure.
Improved Sinus Function
By widening the sinus openings, balloon sinuplasty can help improve sinus drainage and ventilation, which can lead to a reduction in sinusitis symptoms such as facial pain, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
Reduced Bleeding
Balloon sinuplasty has a lower risk of complications compared to traditional sinus surgery, such as bleeding and infection.
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Balloon sinuplasty is typically not painful, as it is performed using local anesthesia to numb the area. However, some people may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of sinuses being treated.
Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two after the procedure. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week after the procedure.
Balloon sinuplasty is generally considered safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures.
The results of balloon sinuplasty can last for several years, but the duration of the results varies depending on the individual and the severity of their sinusitis.
Balloon sinuplasty is covered by many insurance plans, but coverage may vary depending on the individual plan and the specific circumstances of the case. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
The Balloon Sinuplasty devices are FDA-approved endoscopic catheter-based instruments specifically designed to be used in sinus surgery. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening which restores normal sinus drainage without damaging the sinus.
Balloon sinuplasty recovery time is very quick and patients can typically return to all normal activities in 1 – 2 days as compared to the weeks or months of recovery from endoscopic sinus surgery. Traditional surgery also requires a doctor to tear off scabs to prevent scar tissue from blocking your airways. With sinuplasty, there is no cutting, bone removal, or scar tissue.
Disclaimer
The information presented is for educational purposes only. ExcelENT Medical is not dispensing medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgment regarding which products and treatments are right for your individual needs. Any medical procedure carries certain risks, and your doctor will explain all potential complications and/or side effects. The effectiveness and longevity of any treatment can vary by individual, and each patient will have a unique post-operative experience and level of comfort.
ExcelENT Medical or its affiliated entities own, use, or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: ExcelENT Medical and [List any relevant trademarks]. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners or holders.
The absence of a product, feature, or service name, or logo from this list does not constitute a waiver of ExcelENT Medical’s trademark or other intellectual property rights concerning that name or logo.
Last Updated August/2024
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Urgent Care is helpful for fast relief, but it’s usually a short-term solution. For lasting results, ENT Specialists offer comprehensive sinus care — and with excelENT’s partners, you can often be seen within 48 hours, have a CT scan and allergy testing done on-site, and get access to advanced treatments if needed. Find out if you qualify to see a specialist today!
Allergists are great for sinus issues caused by allergies. But if you’re facing frequent infections, pressure, or more complex sinus problems, an ENT Specialist is the right choice. excelENT’s partner clinics often offer appointments within 48 hours, have in-office CT scanners and allergy services, and provide minimally invasive treatment options. Check if you qualify to get started!
A Primary Care Provider can help with initial sinus symptoms. However, for more specialized care, an ENT Specialist is your best option. With excelENT’s partners, you can often get an appointment within 48 hours, have an in-office CT scan, access allergy clinics, and explore advanced treatments if needed. See if you qualify today!
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating sinus issues. Plus, with excelENT’s partner practices, you can often get seen within 48 hours, have a CT scan right in the office, access allergy testing, and explore minimally invasive treatments if medications aren’t enough. Ready to see if you qualify to meet with a specialist?
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offering personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offerring personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offerring personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call
Offerring personalized, high-quality healthcare by actively involving patients and using the necessary expertise and resources to enhance their overall well-being.
The excelENT Breathe Better Team
is excited to take your call