Sinusitis is a painful condition, characterized by inflammation of the nose and sinuses and causing difficulty breathing, trouble sleeping, and overall discomfort. While sinusitis has multiple potential treatments, balloon sinuplasty is a safe and effective solution.
Dr. Paul Burk at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, MO, may recommend balloon sinuplasty to help you find relief from painful sinuses. Here is what to know about the procedure and its recovery period.
What is the process of a balloon sinuplasty?
This procedure is often preferred as it is less invasive than other surgeries, requiring no cutting, tissue removal, or disruption of the nasal bone. Your doctor will use a slim, flexible catheter to open the sinus passage, inflating the balloon to widen the opening in order to help mucus buildup drain out. Next, a saline solution will be used to flush out any remaining mucus residue, providing you relief from sinus pressure.
What is the recovery for balloon sinuplasty?
You will be given an anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and once it wears off you may feel some mild soreness. You will probably experience drainage from your nose and congestion but should abstain from blowing your nose for 24 hours.
Your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic to aid the healing process and a saline solution to use for several days to keep your sinuses lubricated.
If you are finding recovery to be painful, you can ask your doctor about the use of an over-the-counter pain reliever. You should be able to resume normal activity within two days, but as you may feel some fatigue avoiding strenuous activities for a week is advised.
Call the Chesterfield, MO, office of Dr. Paul Burk today at (314) 477-4995 for all your Ear, Nose, and Throat needs. We can help you find relief from your sinus pressure today.