Are you tired of living with constant congestion and sinus pain? Balloon sinuplasty, a procedure offered by your St. Peters, MO, ENT, Dr. Paul Burk, may help clear your sinuses and ease your pain.
What is balloon sinuplasty?
Endoscopic sinus surgery provides an effective way to reduce congestion and address other sinus issues, but it isn't the only treatment option in St. Peters. Balloon sinuplasty offers an alternative approach.
The procedure widens your nasal passages using a small, inflated balloon. Inflating the balloon widens the walls of your sinuses, which makes breathing easier and helps mucus drain more efficiently.
During the first step of the procedure, an uninflated balloon is placed in a slim catheter and inserted into your sinuses through your nostrils. You'll receive a local anesthetic prior to this step to ensure that you won't feel any pain. Unlike general anesthesia, local anesthetic won't cause nausea and doesn't require fasting before your procedure.
Once the catheter is properly positioned in your sinuses, your ENT will inflate the balloon. After the balloon is deflated and removed, a stream of saline solution will wash away mucus from your sinuses.
Is balloon sinuplasty right for me?
Balloon sinuplasty may be a good option if you have:
- Chronic or frequent sinus infections that don't improve after taking medication
- Trouble breathing through your nose
- Headaches and pain around your eyes, forehead and cheeks
- Fatigue due to frequent infections
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
If you have a deviated septum, polyps, bone spurs or complicated sinus issues, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended.
What are the advantages of balloon sinuplasty?
Since there's no cutting involved in balloon sinuplasty, recovery is much quicker. In fact, you may be able to return to your usual activities in just two days. You'll also experience less post-procedure pain, although you might have a sinus headache or a little congestion for a few days. Fortunately, your headache pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Balloon sinuplasty can relieve your pain and help you breathe easier. Call your ENT in St. Peters, St. Louis, and Bridgeton, MO, Dr. Burk to schedule an appointment. Call (636) 936-5002 for our St. Peters, MO, location, (314) 821-5002 for our Des Peres, MO, location, and (314) 770-0708 for our De Paul, MO, location.