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By Patricia Feb 26, 2020
Experiencing seasonal allergies is one thing, but suffering from chronic sinus pain or sinusitis is a condition that affects thousands of people. Sinusitis can occur due to inflammation, causing the sinuses to swell, resulting in blocked sinuses that may fill with fluid, causing an infection. There are various side effects that can result from chronic sinus issues over time, including frequent headaches or migraines, congestion, and sore throats. If over-the-counter medication doesn’t provide much-needed relief, there are two common surgical options that patients can choose from: balloon sinuplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery.
At Detroit Sinus Center, we strive to provide patients with a comfortable and welcoming environment where they can get the care and treatment they need. We have two office locations in Detroit, Allen Park and Southfield, and each offers the same level of care and services. Our sinus doctors offer both balloon sinuplasty and endoscopic sinus surgeries, and are happy to help you decide which is best for your needs. Here is a basic outline of each procedure, but feel free to contact our team if you have any questions.
A balloon sinuplasty is a fairly simple procedure and is minimally invasive. It involves a small balloon that is inserted into the sinuses and is dilated in order to open up the sinuses. When the sinuses are dilated, saline spray is used to flush out the sinuses so they can be cleared and drained of any built-up fluid, mucus, or pus. After the inflamed sinus has been cleared of any blockages, the balloon is deflated and removed.
Patients who have been suffering from chronic sinus pain, nasal congestion, headaches, and have not responded to medication may be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty. If there is an underlying structural issue, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, this may not be the ideal solution and another procedure may be more appropriate.
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and effective way of providing patients with relief from chronic sinus pain and congestion. The procedure does not involve removing any bone or sinus tissue and there is minimal bleeding. There is minimal recovery time and patients are typically able to return to normal activities the next day.
Similar to a balloon sinuplasty, an endoscopic sinus surgery involves the sinus doctor using an endoscope, a long, thin rod with a light at the end, to better see and magnify the sinus tissue. Other, more specialized instruments, are used to remove a thin, delicate bone, as well as any mucous membranes and other blockages in order to clear the drainage pathways. They may also be used to straighten the septum if necessary. When any blockages have been removed, the patient should experience better airflow, an improved sense of smell, and fewer sinus infections.
The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia. Recovery is also quick for this procedure, typically taking one to two hours of rest in a recovery room. There may be slight bleeding one to two days after the procedure and mild fatigue for roughly one week. Your sinus doctor will go over in detail various details regarding preparing for the surgery and what to expect after.
The Detroit Sinus Center wants to help our patients live a life free of sinus pain and the various side effects that may result. If you have been struggling with pain and medications aren’t providing adequate relief, you and your sinus doctor can determine which procedure is best depending on your specific situation and needs.
Don’t let sinus pain get in the way of you living your life! Contact the team at Detroit Sinus Center today for a consultation.