If you have questions or concerns regarding obstructive sleep apnea or allergies, then you are in the right place. Here, you will find up-to-date information relating to ENT-specific topics such as how to lower your risk for sleep apnea, which lifestyle changes to make to quiet your snoring, and why you might need allergy testing. You'll also learn about new medications that can help minimize your risk for allergic reactions to certain foods and environmental irritants. Our website also focuses on the causes, treatments, and prevention of nasal polyps, chronic sinus infections, taste and smell disorders, and post nasal drip.
If your rhinosinusitis is so severe that it prevents you from breathing, ask an ENT specialist about balloon sinuplasty soon. Balloon sinuplasty is an innovative procedure that physically opens up your sinus passages. The procedure not only reduces your symptoms but also helps keep them away. Learn about balloon sinuplasty and how it treats severe rhinosinusitis below.
How Does Balloon Sinuplasty Treat Rhinosinusitis?
Severe, or chronic, rhinosinusitis occurs when the sinuses or hollow spaces in your nasal cavity become extremely inflamed, infected, and swollen. The tissues can become so swollen that they prevent you from inhaling air through your nose. The condition also causes mucus, pus, and other fluids to build up inside the swollen sinuses. Balloon sinuplasty can open up your swollen sinuses so that you can breathe freely again.
Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure used by ENT specialists today. ENT specialists, or ear, nose, and throat doctors insert tiny balloons called catheters into some or all of the sinus cavities. The catheters dilate, or slowly open up, the sinuses until they release the fluid inside them. The catheters remain inside the sinuses until an ENT removes them or until you no longer need them.
If you think balloon sinuplasty can relieve your severe rhinosinusitis, consult an ENT specialist for an appointment today.
How Do You Prepare for Balloon Sinuplasty?
An ENT specialist will need to see if you qualify for balloon sinuplasty before they insert them inside your sinuses. If your condition affects the way you breathe, eat, or sleep, you may qualify for treatment. Severe rhinosinusitis can trigger sleep apnea in some individuals.
You may also qualify for treatment if your rhinosinusitis doesn't respond well to traditional nasal and sinus medications, such as nasal sprays and drops. The medications can make rhinosinusitis worse in some people.
If you meet the qualifications for balloon sinuplasty, an ENT will schedule you for the procedure. The procedure occurs on an outpatient basis. Unless you suffer from an underlying condition that affects your respiratory system, you may leave the treatment center or office right after your procedure. Otherwise, an ENT specialist will provide additional care to you prior to your treatment.
You may also need to consume very little to no food before your balloon sinuplasty treatment. Most procedures require the use of local or general anesthesia. Anesthesia can cause problems with your digestive system during treatment. If you wish to learn more about the anesthesia used during balloon sinuplasty, speak to a doctor immediately.
You can obtain more details and information about balloon sinuplasty by contacting a medical representative.