You’re not alone if you’ve been experiencing chronic sinusitis symptoms. Approximately 26.9 million Americans have this issue according
to the CDC. The sinuses tend to flare up in certain seasons, including early spring and winter. If you have been trying to manage your sinus symptoms at home but it hasn’t been working out, visit St. Peters, MO ENT Dr. Paul Burk to see if a balloon sinuplasty treatment will help.
Understanding Sinus Problems
The sinuses are a group of air pockets inside of the face that allow you to breathe through your nose and process mucus. They are lined with a thin respiratory tissue. When there is a sinus infection (also called sinusitis) bacteria or an allergen irritates the lining and produces thicker mucus that is harder to move and swallow. The symptoms of sinusitis include difficulty breathing, phlegm buildup, hard swallowing, coughing, headaches, and continuous throat clearing. All of the symptoms combined can be extremely uncomfortable, especially when they go on for many days or even weeks.
Balloon Sinuplasty May Help
Some sinus problems clear up on their own after a few days, but others persist. In stubborn cases where you are experiencing a lot of discomfort, you should talk to a St. Peters ENT about a balloon sinuplasty. A catheter is inserted into the sinus cavity so that a small balloon can be inflated. This allows your ENT to remove the infected liquid that is causing the irritation. The procedure is done under anesthesia in the doctor’s office. It provides fast relief.
Balloon Sinuplasty Aftercare and Prevention Tips
Once your sinus cavities are cleared and the mucus is removed, the infection has a better chance of clearing up with antibiotic therapy. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of another flare-up:
- Finish all of the antibiotic medication prescribed, even if you feel better.
- Use the saline solution provided by your ENT.
- Get some rest, take it easy for a few days, and elevate your head when sleeping.
- Take an anti-histamine when allergy season starts as allergic reactions often spark sinus problems.
Sinus Symptom Relief
When you find yourself struggling with sinusitis symptoms for long periods of time or they are recurrent, seek the assistance of a St. Luke'ss Hospital. Call (314) 477-4995 today for an appointment to discuss balloon sinuplasty with Dr. Paul Burk.