For many of us living in Central Florida, summer means sinus infections and allergies! All the rain and heat leads to mold spores growing and spreading quickly. As well as, pollen and grasses, which turns into congestion, irritation and inflammation.
Numerous people find relief with either sinus surgery or sinuplasty, but many don’t know the difference.
Both procedures offer relief from sinus pain and pressure, as well as many other symptoms caused by sinus infections and allergies.
By amending the underlying issues, reducing inflammation, and allowing nasal passages to drain correctly.
The main difference between balloon sinuplasty and traditional sinus surgery is the level of invasiveness and recovery time.
Balloon sinuplasty is known as the “breakthrough in endoscopic sinus surgery” because it is much less invasive. There is no removal of tissue or bone, as with traditional sinus surgery. Which means the surrounding tissues undergoes less trauma.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure during which a thin balloon catheter is inserted into the nose. “ENT doctors open inflamed sinuses in the same way that heart surgeons open up blocked arteries during balloon angioplasty.” The balloon is gradually inflated to relieve blockages and gently widen the sinus pathways.
Because balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive, it can be performed in the office, compared to a surgical center. And takes significantly less time than traditional sinus surgery. Complications associated with balloon sinuplasty are reduced, as well as any scaring.
You also won’t have to endure the uncomfortable packing of the nose, associated with sinus surgery.
Recovery Time
Balloon sinuplasty is also known for having a faster recovery time and less pain. “While recovery time varies with each patient, recovery is typically fast. In a study of in-office balloon dilation, most patients returned to work and normal activity within 2 days.”
“In a study tracking patients 2 years following their Balloon Sinuplasty Sinus Surgery in the OR, most chronic sinusitis patients report clinically meaningful improvement in sinus symptoms and quality of life.”
If you are suffering from the pain, pressure, congestion, and fatigue from chronic sinus problems, it is time to contact Orlando Ears, Nose & Throat.
