If your sinus symptoms leave your nose feeling stuffy and swollen more often than not, it’s time to consider balloon sinuplasty in Los Angeles. The procedure quickly provides long-term relief to those tired of losing sleep and their quality of life to the pain, pressure, facial tenderness, and nasal congestion associated with severe and frequent sinusitis. Because balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive sinus treatment, many patients prefer it to traditional sinus surgery.
Whether you or a loved one has been experiencing multiple sinus infections or severe symptoms that often seem to get worse before going away, take a look at the information below to learn the advantages of balloon sinuplasty over conventional treatment options.
What to Expect With Balloon Sinuplasty in Los Angeles?
A consultation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is the first step in determining whether balloon sinuplasty in Los Angeles is a suitable treatment option for your sinus symptoms. During the appointment, you should discuss your symptoms and review your medical history with the ENT doctor and expect to undergo an exam and, in some cases, diagnostic tests before learning of appropriate sinus treatment options. Although balloon sinuplasty is highly beneficial for treating chronic sinusitis, it is not recommended for everyone.
Do I Qualify for Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty in Los Angeles is ideal for individuals with a history of chronic sinusitis symptoms that no longer respond to over-the-counter meds or don’t significantly improve with prescription medications. The procedure is suitable for treating any of the symptoms below.
- Sinus blockages caused by nasal polyps or severe allergies
- Chronic or recurrent sinus infections
- Persistent sinus congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Facial pain or pressure
- Difficulty smelling or tasting
- Headaches or migraines
Balloon sinuplasty is a safer sinus treatment option than conventional sinus surgery and alternative treatments for most individuals experiencing sinus problems.
What Are the Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty Over Traditional Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is less invasive because it doesn’t require incisions and is performed with a small balloon. The balloon is inserted into the sinuses via the nostrils and inflated to make them wider, so proper drainage resumes. Conventional sinus surgery, on the other hand, requires incisions.
There are several reasons why balloon sinuplasty is preferred to traditional sinus surgery. Patients enjoy the following benefits.
- Faster recovery
- Less pain and discomfort after the procedure
- Lower risk of complications
- Performed as an in-office procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization
- Preserves the natural anatomy of the sinuses
Overall, balloon sinuplasty is a safe and effective procedure that provides quick, permanent relief from sinus symptoms without the need for extensive surgery.
What Are the Risks of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Just like any medical procedure, balloon sinuplasty does come with risks. Below are some of the complications associated with the procedure.
- Damage to the sinuses
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scar tissue formation
- Recurrent sinus blockages
It’s important to consult with a balloon sinuplasty specialist about the potential risks and benefits before making the best decision for your situation.
When Is Traditional Sinus Surgery a Better Treatment Option Than Balloon Sinuplasty?
Traditional sinus surgery, also known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is a better treatment option than balloon sinuplasty when:
- There are severe blockages or structural abnormalities of the sinuses or nasal passages (i.e. a badly deviated septum or nasal fracture)
- The patient has a history of recurrent or severe infections.
- Chronic or recurrent symptoms despite previous balloon sinuplasty treatments.
- Certain medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency, or uncontrolled diabetes, are present.
It is important to see an ENT specialist if you’re experiencing sinus symptoms like congestion, pressure, and pain that interfere with your regular routine. A careful review of your medical history, along with an examination of your nasal airways and medical tests, are used to determine whether traditional sinus surgery is the best option for your circumstances, if you could benefit from balloon sinuplasty or an alternative sinus treatment.
Alternatives to Balloon Sinuplasty and Sinus Surgery
There are several alternatives to balloon sinuplasty and traditional sinus surgery.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as decongestants, sinus saline rinses, antihistamines, and steroid nasal sprays, can help relieve sinus symptoms.
Rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution can help remove mucus and reduce inflammation.
Breathing steam from a hot shower or vaporizer can help open the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
Avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help prevent sinus problems.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is an advanced type of endoscopic sinus surgery that uses special instruments to visualize the inside of the nose and sinuses and remove blockages.
Septoplasty/deviated septum repair straightens and repairs crooked or damaged bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passages to improve breathing.
Turbinate reduction surgery reduces the size of the bony structures in the nasal cavity (turbinates) that humidify and filter inhaled air. The procedure is performed endoscopically to improve breathing problems, relieve nasal congestion, or address other respiratory issues.
Allergy immunotherapy, known as allergy shots, can help to desensitize the body to allergens that trigger sinus symptoms.
Because inflammation and nasal congestion, along with blockages, are not specific to infections, it’s important to get medical attention to learn the underlying reason and ensure proper treatment is administered.
Balloon sinuplasty in Los Angeles is offered at CV ENT Surgical Group for individuals interested in immediate relief from repeat sinus infections and congestion. Alternative procedures like septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery are available for those experiencing breathing difficulties due to abnormalities or defects in their nasal structures.
To learn more about balloon sinuplasty and additional sinus treatments, contact C/V ENT Surgical Group for a consultation.