Symptoms such as nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose are signs of a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, help is available. At Ear Nose and Throat Balloon Sinuplasty in Chesterfield, MO, our ENT physician Dr. Paul Burk utilizes several methods, including balloon sinuplasty, to treat chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is a nasal condition associated with inflammation or a blockage in the sinus passages that interferes with their ability to drain properly. Several symptoms can develop as a result of a sinus infection, including :
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Facial pain and swelling
- Sinus headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Throat irritation and cough
Treating Sinus Infections
When the sinus passages have been inflamed and swollen for at least two months, a patient is considered to have chronic sinusitis. Common causes of chronic sinusitis include a persistent infection, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps. All of these factors can lead to blocked sinus pathways, making it difficult for the sinus to adequately drain.
There are several ways to treat chronic sinusitis or sinus infections. Experienced ENT physician Dr. Burk at our Chesterfield, MO office can develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Methods for treating chronic sinus infections include:
- Nasal sprays
- Pain relievers
- Corticosteroids
- Balloon sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty
When more conservative treatment methods, such as nasal sprays or corticosteroids, have not delivered complete relief from chronic sinus infections, balloon sinuplasty is recommended. The goal of balloon sinuplasty is to open up the sinus passages so the patient can breathe more easily without nasal congestion, inflammation, discomfort or other symptoms typical of chronic sinusitis.
Balloon sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. It is minimally invasive and does not involve surgery. During the procedure, a guided wire is used to gently insert and place a balloon catheter into the inflamed sinus passages. The balloon is then inflated to open up and widen the sinuses. Next, the sinus passages are flushed out with a gentle saline solution to remove mucus buildup. Once the sinuses have been cleared, the balloon is deflated and removed.
Recovery from balloon sinuplasty is quite short and most patients are ready to resume normal activities within just a few days. Following the procedure, the sinuses will remain open.
If you regularly experience the symptoms of a sinus infection, you could be dealing with chronic sinusitis. Many options are available for treating chronic sinusitis. An ENT physician can recommend the right treatment method for your symptoms and needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Burk in Chesterfield, MO, call Ear Nose and Throat Balloon Sinuplasty at (314) 477-4995.